A man in England decided three weeks ago to summarize the Bible on his tweets, and now has 14,000 followers and was featured in the blogosphere, interviewed by a number of newspapers around the world, and appeared on CNN.

Chris Juby, a web developer in Durham, England, started to tweet the Bible on Aug. 8, by summarizing one chapter daily, with each tweet using a maximum of 140 characters. He hopes to be finished by Nov. 9, 2013, according to his website.

In some three weeks he now has 14,107 followers of @biblesummary on Twitter. On his site he wrote, “I’m really enjoying writing the summaries each morning (good job, hey!)….I’m very motivated by what I’m going to write tomorrow.”

Juby said in his site that he found great enjoyment interacting with a wide range of people through Twitter and on his website. “It’s really encouraging to hear what people make of the project,” he said on his website.

Aside from his CNN interview, Juby’s tweets are being broadcast by UCB in batches of seven tweets, five times a day. He has also been featured in the Telegraph, Daily Mail, the Guardian, CBS, AOL News and Christian Post, to name a few, his website said.

Juby said he was surprised by the reaction generated by his project. He noted, “A lot of people can relate to religion and Christianity and I’m connecting it to something really contemporary with Twitter. I think that idea really appeals to people. Also, it’s kind of a crazy thing to do over such a long period of time… One of the things that has surprised me the most are the number of people who have gotten in touch with me saying that they’re not Christians or that they’ve never read the Bible before,” CBS News said.

Juby is still halfway through Genesis. Originally, he said he wanted to just understand the Bible when he started out. He notes, “In the first place it was a kind of help for me in terms of just engagement with the Bible and to really understanding what’s in there, but now it’s become really popular. My hope is it will inspire people to read the Bible for themselves,” CBS News said.

Born Again, the latest album of the Newsboys, has made it to No. 2 on Billboard’s Top 200, and ranked No. 3 on CCM Soundscan for 2010.

Upon its release on July 13, Born Again landed No. 4 on Billboard’s Overall Chart in its first week with 45,311 units sold. This placed it above new releases from M.I.A. and Sting, among others. Born Again also made it to Top 4 with iTunes’ Overall Chart, CBN News said.

The album, which is the band’s 15^th release, is produced by Inpop Records. It includes seven new songs co-written by new member and Grammy winner Michael Tait formerly of dc Talk. Potential hits include ‘On Your Knees,’ ‘Way Beyond Myself’ and ‘Build us Back,’ Canadian Christianity said.

Andrew Patton, general manager of Inpop Records cited the overwhelming support of radio stations, media outlets, retail and fans as some reasons behind the album’s outstanding sales on its first week of release, CBN News said.

Patton noted, “The record-setting number of sales today reflect the dedication and hard work of Newsboys to create another groundbreaking musical creation. The amazing support of Christian radio stations, festival promoters, our hard-working Inpop staff, and our partners at EMI CMG distribution have all earned our thanks today,” CBN News said.

Newsboys has throughout its long career done very well with Grammy nominations, Dove Awards, and some 6.5 million units sold, with 26 No. 1 hit songs and five Gold albums. They are particularly known for their live, foot-stomping performances, CBN News said.

A Christian group will host a delegation of North Korean experts to urge the European Union to investigate human rights violations in North Korea.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide, a nongovernmental organization for Christians, will send the appeal to the EU for the formation of a UN Commission of Inquiry that will investigate humanitarian crimes committed in N. Korea, according to their website.

The CSW said there is a “prima facie case of crimes against humanity committed by the [North Korean] regime, including murder, extermination, enslavement/forced labor, forcible transfer of population, arbitrary imprisonment, torture, persecution, enforced disappearances of persons, and other inhumane acts. The use of public executions as a method of generating fear and obedience is also illegal under international law,” the CSW website said.

Stuard Windsor, CSW’s National Director said, “CSW believes that establishing a commission of inquiry is an important step towards addressing the culture of impunity surrounding the abuses perpetrated by the North Korean regime against its people,” the website said.

Included in the group will be Guang-il Jung, a N. Korean defector who is currently based in South Korea; and Tae Kung Ha, a human rights defender from South Korea. The delegation has met with representatives from the French Foreign Ministry, the Belgian Foreign Ministry and the European Commission to discuss the upcoming U.N. General Assembly resolution on North Korea, the CSW website said.

Jung, the N. Korean defector, is currently working for the Democracy Network Against North Korean Gulag. In July 1999 he was arrested on false charges by North Korean security agents and tortured in an underground cell for nine months, the CSW website said.

Jung was forced to sign a false confession, and was then confined at the notorious Yodeok penal colony, where for three years he suffered from malnutrition and forced labor. In 2003 he fled the country and reached S. Korea the following year, the CSW website said.

The S. Korean delegate, Ha, has helped many N. Koreans cross the border into China. A former Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellow with the National Endowment for Democracy, Washington DC, Ha is currently the director of Crimes Against Humanity Investigation Committee, the CSW website said.

The EU is in the process of constructing the yearly UN General Assembly resolution on human rights in North Korea, which they will introduce in October. CSW had sent letters to all EU foreign ministers of all member states last month to appeal for the formation of the UN Commission of Inquiry, the CSW website said.

Sources:

http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/article.asp?t=press&id=1029&search=

Michael Lohan said recently that he plans to open a faith-based, holistic rehabilitation center in California that will not include the use of prescription drugs to get over one’s addiction.

Lohan, 50, the estranged father of Lindsey Lohan, made the announcement shortly after his daughter had spent 23 days in rehab. She was serving jail time the month before for violating probation due to a DUI conviction in 2007, the San Francisco Chronicle said.

Michael recently moved into Los Angeles from NYC to look for a suitable location for the rehab center. He said, “I’m going to have a protocol that will be have to be followed. I don’t believe in prescription drugs. If people come in on them they’re going to have to get off of them, otherwise they’ll be looking for another rehab,” the San Francisco Chronicle said.

Having struggled in the past with alcohol and drug abuse, Michael had made several pleas to his 24-year-old daughter through the media for her to get treatment. He said, “After seeing what my daughter, myself and other people I know have been through, it has led me to realize this is my calling and purpose in life,” MSN said.

Although there will not be doctors nor medical treatment, the center will have ties with an associated hospital. He stressed, “We are a rehab that focuses on mind, body and soul. It is a spiritual retreat,” MSN said.

Lohan said religious affiliation will be immaterial noting, “The basis of the rehab will be that there is a God; that good conquers evil; that the best way to live is to treat others like you want to be treated; and treat your body like a temple,” MSN said.

This facility will not be geared only to the rich and famous, Lohan says noting, “I’m not going to close my doors on anyone. We may offer a scholarship [to those in need]. You don’t have to be Lindsay Lohan or Nicole Richie or Robert Downey Jr. or a celebrity to get rehab,” MSN said.

Lohan said, “All of the things that have happened to me in my life have led to this. I know this is what God wants me to do first and foremost.” So far, there is already a working team and financing plus some staff members, among them Jon Koga, a specialist in kickboxing and yoga, and some physical therapists, MSN said.

Christian leaders in Indonesia met recently with the leaders of a Muslim extremist group to censure the plan of a church in the U.S. to burn copies of the Koran on Sept. 11.

Bishops from Protestant and Roman Catholic churches met with Habib Riezig, the leader of the extremist Islamic Defender Front (FPI) at Cikini II, Central Jakarta to engage in friendly dialogue and to boost understanding, AsiaNews said.

The meeting was also attended by Bishop Petrus Canisius Mandagi (president, Inter-religious Commission of the Bishops Conference of Indonesia [KWI]), Rev. Andreas Yewangoe (head, Indonesian Protestant Christian churches of the Synod [PGI]), and Bishop Johannes Pujasumarta (KWI Secretary General), AsiaNews said.

The intention was to hopefully avoid violence that may result from the Florida-based Dove World Outreach Center’s proposal to make Sept. 11, 2010 “International burn a Koran Day.” The move was initiated to protest the attack on the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001, AsiaNews said.

Dove’s leader, Pastor Terry Jones, is known for media-grabbing moves including distributing t-shirts that say “Islam is the devil,” and writing on his blog, “Ten reasons to burn a Koran,” AsiaNews said.

The initiative has been condemned by Christians and Muslims all over the world. Last Aug. 27, some 100 Muslims gathered in front of the U.S. embassy, Jakarta and threatened to retaliate severely if Dove burns any Korans, AsiaNews said.

Participants in the meeting noted that what Dove is doing is not representative of Christians, and particularly those Christians who are living in Indonesia. Bishop Mandagi expressed best wishes to Muslims and said he felt “strong regret to have learned of such provocative actions that want to strike our Muslim brothers,” AsiaNews said.

Pastor Yewangoe also condemned the action which he noted was only being done by a small group of Christians in the U.S. Yewangoe exhibited a letter that would be sent to U.S. President Barack Obama, requesting that the initiative is stopped or cancelled, AsiaNews said.

Rizieq said he was grateful for the sympathy that was shown by the Christian churches and called the meeting an important move towards reconciling differences through dialogue. Rizieq said, “Nothing is impossible through dialogue,” AsiaNews said.

Question: “Was Jesus ever angry?”

Answer:
When Jesus cleared the temple of the moneychangers and animal-sellers, He showed great emotion and anger (Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-18; John 2:13-22). Jesus emotion was described as zeal for Gods house (John 2:17). His anger was pure and completely justified because at its root was concern for Gods holiness and worship. Because these were at stake, Jesus took quick and decisive action. Another time Jesus showed anger was in the synagogue of Capernaum. When the Pharisees refused to answer Jesus questions, He looked around at them in anger, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts (Mark 3:5).

Many times, we think of anger as a selfish, destructive emotion that we should eradicate from our lives altogether. However, the fact that Jesus did sometimes become angry indicates that anger itself, as an emotion, is amoral. This is borne out elsewhere in the New Testament. Ephesians 4:26 instructs us in your anger do not sin and not to let the sun go down on our anger. The command is not to avoid anger (or suppress it or ignore it) but to deal with it properly, in a timely manner. We note the following facts about Jesus displays of anger:

1) His anger had the proper motivation. In other words, He was angry for the right reasons. Jesus anger did not arise from petty arguments or personal slights against Him. There was no selfishness involved.

2) His anger had the proper focus. He was not angry at God or at the weaknesses of others. His anger targeted sinful behavior and true injustice.

3) His anger had the proper supplement. Mark 3:5 says that His anger was attended by grief over the Pharisees lack of faith. Jesus anger stemmed from love for the Pharisees and concern for their spiritual condition. It had nothing to do with hatred or ill will.

4) His anger had the proper control. Jesus was never out of control, even in His wrath. The temple leaders did not like His cleansing of the temple (Luke 19:47), but He had done nothing sinful. He controlled His emotions; His emotions did not control Him.

5) His anger had the proper duration. He did not allow His anger to turn into bitterness; He did not hold grudges. He dealt with each situation properly, and He handled anger in good time.

6) His anger had the proper result. Jesus anger had the inevitable consequence of godly action. Jesus anger, as with all His emotions, was held in check by the Word of God; thus, Jesus response was always to accomplish Gods will.

When we get angry, too often we have improper control or an improper focus. We fail in one or more of the above points. This is the wrath of man, of which we are told Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for mans anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires (James 1:19-20). Jesus did not exhibit mans anger, but the righteous indignation of God.

Recommended Resource:
Jesus: The Greatest Life of All by Charles Swindoll

Now, we come to that other vital aspect which lies right at the very heart of our Christian Faith – the Resurrection of Jesus Christ – that amazing event for which words are inadequate – we can but Worship and give thanks.

No other faith in the whole world has a Leader Who is Alive. Are the others not simply philosophies where one tries one best but that can never be good enough?

In Luke Chapter 24 we read of some women making their way through the streets of Jerusalem. It is around half-past five in the morning. It must have been a long wait, since the body of Jesus Christ was taken off the Cross, dead, and laid in that tomb.

Jesus has been absent from them for three days and three nights. Two Sabbaths have passed. Jesus was not crucified on a Friday. Work it all out in accordance with what the Scripture says and teaches.

They go prepared to anoint the dead remains of the Jesus they had loved. The voice of God had been silent over these long days. It was the custom to anoint the remains, and they were dutifully going to minister to the dead Body of Jesus Christ.

Those who had wanted Jesus Christ out of the way, and silenced once and for all, would be thinking they had succeeded. They must have thought they had won.

“It involved a bit of wheeling and dealing, but we did it. We have got rid of that troublemaker and disturber of our ways at last. Dead men don’t rise.” Not so!

These religious leaders had little knowledge of the power of God. They were unaware of what the Holy Spirit could do, and most of those who plotted and planned to have Jesus crucified knew very little about the ministry of angels. And they had not a clue as to the will of the Father!

When the women arrived at the tomb, they found two things they were not prepared for – the stone rolled away – and no dead Jesus inside! How would you have reacted?

God is full of surprises. We never know what He is going to do next. We never know what he is going to say next. Sometimes He really surprises us.

Their plans are shaken. They are perplexed and puzzled. They don’t know what to make of it all. They are not sure if they can handle what confronts them. Angels appear and they bow in fear.

The angels ask – ‘Why are you looking for the living among the dead?’ ‘This is the cemetery. This is the graveyard. He is not here. HE IS RISEN. Do you not remember that He told you all this when he was with you?’

Problems and fears arise when we forget the Word of the Lord. They were hearing what common sense was saying, and they had forgotten what Jesus had said.

There are many, even within the visible physical church, who have a real problem believing that Jesus Christ is risen and alive. When you have met the risen living Jesus Christ and when you are born again that ought never again to be a problem. There will be other problems that one should certainly not bother you.

Never forget what Jesus Christ has said and taught. If we do, fear and doubt and confusion and worse can wriggle their way in.

A Chesapeake, Va. teen’s choice for her  16^th birthday party some two years back has resulted in a home for 50 orphans in Africa.

Megan MacDonald, 18, decided two years ago to forgo birthday presents in exchange for donations to build an orphanage that would be overseen by the International Cooperating Ministries, Christian Newswire said.

In the blog myfrienddebbie.com, Megan’s grandmother wrote about the story and said, “Our young people are capable of far more than we think—once they catch the vision. I hope you enjoy Megan’s account of what she learned about trusting God.”

When Megan was 15 she and her father were trying to choose a theme for her forthcoming birthday.

Megan thought about helping the Salvation Army or donating to food banks. However her father kept asking if she wanted to do more. That was when she decided to raise funds to build an orphanage, according to an article on myfrienddebbie.com.

She was able to raise $4,000 which she wanted to use to build an orphanage in India.

However, when Megan and her father met the head of International Cooperating Ministries, he suggested that Megan raise additional funds and build an orphanage in Africa where there was likely a  greater need.

The orphanage, which would be in Katali, Kenya would require an additional $26,000.

Megan said of the experience later, “As we left the office, God reminded me that He was in control.”

In a little over a year the money was raised, and on the dedication date Megan and her parents were in Kenya for the ceremony.

Megan said, “When we drove up to the church, I was blown away by the size, and all the time and effort put into it. It was evident that people really put their heart and soul into this project. And when I saw the orphans, my heart just broke. It was difficult not to cry and not want to take all of them back,” Christian Newswire said.

Debbie said she was encouraged by family and friends and was particularly helped by Colossians 1:27 which says, “Christ in you is the hope of glory.”

She noted, “It’s amazing what God can do through anybody, as long as you have the faith and are willing to do what He asks.”

A Zambia government official called recently for a better working partnership with the church, and noted that it has a major role in helping country in its programs for progress and development.

Daniel Kalenga, minister of the Northwestern Province, said during the men’s breakfast fellowship of the Open Doors Pentecostal Assemblies of God, held at Kansanshi Hotel, Solwezi, that the church could show Christian virtues by engaging in active dialogue with the government, Times of Zambia said.

Kalenga assured the group that the government is committed to holding discussions with all stakeholders and noted, “Indeed, it is gratifying to note that while some sections of society are engaged in strife and malicious talk, there are still people like yourselves who can gather around a table and discuss development of the province,” Times of Zambia said.

Zambia, once one of Africa’s richest economies in 1964, is today among the poorest due to the falling prices of copper (its main industry) in 1975, and aggravated by mismanagement, illness and debt. Its multi-party government system has been in place since the 1990s, BBC News said.

Zambia has been the host of some tens of thousands of refugees who fled their home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, to escape from the fighting caused by the Angolan civil war, BBC News said.

The World Bank has encouraged Zambia to widen its sources of revenue to include agriculture and tourism. Of late, improved copper prices and an increased investment in mining have augured auspicious possibilities for the country, BBC said.

Kalenga expressed hope that better understanding would be fostered between the church and the government, and asked the assembly for a clearer understanding about the government programs that have been set in place, Times of Zambia said.

Kalenga added, “My government is more than ready for an improved partnership with the church, whose focus is development and the welfare of masses.” He called upon Open Doors Assembly to become more involved with the government aim of delivering services to the growing number of towns, Times of Zambia said.

Kalenga noted that no country in the world has ever achieved development without getting its citizens involved in government efforts, Times of Zambia said.

Rueben Banda, senior pastor of Open Doors Assembly noted that at times, the government had been opposed out of ignorance, and said the church is willing to try to understand government programs, Times of Zambia said.

Banda also said national leaders are due the respect of the populace as they are leading on God’s behalf. He called on men to take on leadership roles and to always be accountable to each other and ultimately, to God, Times of Zambia said.

Over 70 pastors signed recently a letter to affirm that President Barack Obama is a Christian. The letter also urged public officials, religious leaders and media to ignore remarks that distort Obama’s “unwavering” Christianity.

The letter, which was sent out by the Eleison Group included signatories such as Joel Hunter, TD Jakes and David Gushee among others. Many of the signatories said they had prayed and worshiped with Obama, CBN News said.

The letter also said that the signatories come from diverse ideological and political backgrounds and noted, “As Christian pastors and leaders we believe that fellow Christians need to be an encouragement to those who call Christ their savior, not question the veracity of their faith,” CBN News said.

Last week a poll showed that 18 percent of Americans think Obama is Muslim, compared to 11 percent last year. Another poll showed 34 percent of Americans say Obama is Christian, down from 48 percent the year before, The Hill said.

Obama’s job approval rating among Protestant Christians has gone down from last year at 43 percent, making them the group that approves of Obama the least, except for the Mormons, The Hill said.

Leith Anderson, president of NAE cited Romans 10:9 which is about a confession of faith in Jesus and concluded, “I’ve never heard President Obama describe himself as anything other than a Christian. He should know better than anyone else,” CBN News said.

The signatories to the letter represented some seven Protestant denominations among other religious groups. In the letter, they said “the personal faith of our leaders should not be up for debate,” The Hill said.

In Obama’s book The Audacity of Hope, Obama said his biological father was an atheist and his mother, agnostic. His stepfather was a “nominal Muslim,” and he was not raised in a religious home, although his mother’s parents (who raised him to a large degree) were Baptist and Methodist. In his 20s Obama embraced Christianity and joined the church of Jeremiah Wright, the Huffington Post said.

According to the Huffington Post, “It’s irrelevant whether Barack Obama is a Christian or a Muslim — as long as he governs like he’s neither.”