Worthy Brief - 7/22/2016
Friend, greater is He that is in You!
1 John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
While John warned against deception in the last days, and we should be mindful and discerning the times in which we live, keenly aware of the rise of the spirit of Antichrist -- he also gave us encouragement: "...you have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."
The children of Israel failed their tests in the wilderness because they consistently forgot who their God was -- and is! Since He actually dwells within us now, let's not repeat their mistake!
So Friend, being an over-comer in these last days is not only knowing who your enemy is – BUT NEVER forgetting who YOUR GOD IS! Spend your weekend resting in the peace and confidence that greater is He that is in you, and that no evil of any kind can gainsay the victory that He has already won.
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Negev Desert, Israel
Editor's Note: Watch George's message: Which voice will you listen to in the last days?
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
In New Threat to West, Iran Official Calls for Plans to Build Uranium-Enrichment Plant
Iranian officials issued new threats against the West on Wednesday, warning that failure to uphold the nuclear deal will result in harsh consequences, Iranian state media reported.
Possible early North Korean nuclear site found - report
A U.S. policy institute said it may have located a secret facility used by North Korea in the early stages of building its program to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons, which if confirmed would be critical to the success of any future nuclear deal, according to a report seen by Reuters on Thursday.
Nice truck killer had support, accomplices for carefully planned attack
French truck killer Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel received logistical support preparing for his deadly Bastille Day attack in Nice from five suspects who are now in custody, Paris prosecutor François Molins revealed Thursday.
Iran left with no choice but to confront the US, official warns
Iran is left with no choice but to confront the US, Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani warned Wednesday.
Brazil police arrest at least 10 in possible ISIS-linked Rio Olympics attack plot
Brazilian police arrested 10 people who allegedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group on social media and discussed possible attacks during the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, officials said Thursday.
Turkish lawmakers set to give Erdogan sweeping new powers after failed coup
Turkish lawmakers convened Thursday to endorse sweeping new powers for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that would allow him to expand a crackdown in the wake of last week's failed coup.
The H-Bombs in Turkey
Among the many questions still unanswered following Friday's coup attempt in Turkey is one that has national-security implications for the United States and for the rest of the world: How secure are the American hydrogen bombs stored at a Turkish airbase?
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
British lawmaker blames Israel for rise of jihad
A British lawmaker is under fire for accusing Israel of being a major cause in the rise of jihadism worldwide, JTA reported Thursday.
Police arrest 30 protesters amid unprecedented security at Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade
One year after the murder of teenager Shira Banki, at least 30 suspects were arrested for attempting to disrupt Thursday's annual Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade, which attracted a record 25,000 participants amid unprecedented security.
Netanyahu: LGBTs an integral part of Israeli society
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that the LGBT community is an integral part of Israeli society, calling the pride parade in Jerusalem a 'march of unity' for all those who believe in equality. The Hebrew message was followed by an English video stressing the differences between the treatment of homosexuals in Arab countries and Israel.
Jerusalem rabbis speak out in support of the Pride Parade
While literally hundreds of rabbis have this week spoken out against the Jerusalem Pride Parade which took place yesterday, and with the storm surrounding the anti-gay comments made by Rabbi Yigal Levenstein last week, several Jerusalem-based rabbis have nevertheless given their full support to the event.
Inside the United States
Roger Ailes out as head of Fox News, Fox Business
Roger Ailes is out as chief executive at Fox News Channel and Fox Business, his career at the networks he built from scratch and ran with an iron hand for nearly 20 years over with stunning swiftness following allegations that he forced out a former anchor after she spurned his sexual advances.
U.S. Politics
Donald Trump completes takeover of GOP, declares 'I am your voice'
Donald Trump completed his takeover of the Republican Party on Thursday, claiming the presidential nomination, calling for unity within the party and holding himself out as the real agent of change all voters have been waiting for.
GOP moves toward embrace of gays in convention's final night
The Republican Party under Donald Trump took strides toward greater acceptance of gay Americans on Thursday, welcoming a gay businessman to the stage and recognizing the community's suffering at the hands of an Islamic State-inspired shooter in Florida weeks ago.
Christian News
Revival Breaks Out in Iran
When we think of Iran, scenes of mobs shouting "death to America," blindfolded hostages, and radical leaders demanding nuclear technology come to mind. But there's another side of the country: Iranians who love America, Israel, and Jesus Christ.
'Christian Post' breaks tradition to oppose Trump
The Christian Post, an online publication oriented toward America's evangelical community, has broken with its tradition of remaining out of US politics to oppose the candidacy of Donald Trump.
Rejected by Mosques, Muslim Refugees in the UK Turn to Christ
Muslims seeking asylum in the United Kingdom are converting to Christianity at a parish church in the English Midlands, according to The Guardian.
Thousands of Muslims Converting to Christianity in Bangladesh Despite Rising Persecution
Even though persecution against Christians in Bangladesh is on the rise, so is the number of Muslims converting to Christianity in the south Asian nation.
Divisions deepen in Church of England as conservatives express 'lack of confidence' in gay marriage talks
A group of conservative Anglicans have expressed their 'lack of confidence' in the Church of England's talks on gay relationships.
Christian Students in China Barred From Going to College Unless They Stop Going to Church
Chinese students attending a Christian house church in the central Guizhou province are being threatened by government authorities who are warning them that if they don't stop going to the church, they will be barred from going to college.
Around the World
In New Threat to West, Iran Official Calls for Plans to Build Uranium-Enrichment Plant
Iranian officials issued new threats against the West on Wednesday, warning that failure to uphold the nuclear deal will result in harsh consequences, Iranian state media reported.
Possible early North Korean nuclear site found - report
A U.S. policy institute said it may have located a secret facility used by North Korea in the early stages of building its program to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons, which if confirmed would be critical to the success of any future nuclear deal, according to a report seen by Reuters on Thursday.
Nice truck killer had support, accomplices for carefully planned attack
French truck killer Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel received logistical support preparing for his deadly Bastille Day attack in Nice from five suspects who are now in custody, Paris prosecutor François Molins revealed Thursday.
Iran left with no choice but to confront the US, official warns
Iran is left with no choice but to confront the US, Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani warned Wednesday.
Brazil police arrest at least 10 in possible ISIS-linked Rio Olympics attack plot
Brazilian police arrested 10 people who allegedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group on social media and discussed possible attacks during the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, officials said Thursday.
Turkish lawmakers set to give Erdogan sweeping new powers after failed coup
Turkish lawmakers convened Thursday to endorse sweeping new powers for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that would allow him to expand a crackdown in the wake of last week's failed coup.
The H-Bombs in Turkey
Among the many questions still unanswered following Friday's coup attempt in Turkey is one that has national-security implications for the United States and for the rest of the world: How secure are the American hydrogen bombs stored at a Turkish airbase?
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
British lawmaker blames Israel for rise of jihad
A British lawmaker is under fire for accusing Israel of being a major cause in the rise of jihadism worldwide, JTA reported Thursday.
Police arrest 30 protesters amid unprecedented security at Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade
One year after the murder of teenager Shira Banki, at least 30 suspects were arrested for attempting to disrupt Thursday's annual Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade, which attracted a record 25,000 participants amid unprecedented security.
Netanyahu: LGBTs an integral part of Israeli society
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that the LGBT community is an integral part of Israeli society, calling the pride parade in Jerusalem a 'march of unity' for all those who believe in equality. The Hebrew message was followed by an English video stressing the differences between the treatment of homosexuals in Arab countries and Israel.
Jerusalem rabbis speak out in support of the Pride Parade
While literally hundreds of rabbis have this week spoken out against the Jerusalem Pride Parade which took place yesterday, and with the storm surrounding the anti-gay comments made by Rabbi Yigal Levenstein last week, several Jerusalem-based rabbis have nevertheless given their full support to the event.
Inside the United States
Roger Ailes out as head of Fox News, Fox Business
Roger Ailes is out as chief executive at Fox News Channel and Fox Business, his career at the networks he built from scratch and ran with an iron hand for nearly 20 years over with stunning swiftness following allegations that he forced out a former anchor after she spurned his sexual advances.
U.S. Politics
Donald Trump completes takeover of GOP, declares 'I am your voice'
Donald Trump completed his takeover of the Republican Party on Thursday, claiming the presidential nomination, calling for unity within the party and holding himself out as the real agent of change all voters have been waiting for.
GOP moves toward embrace of gays in convention's final night
The Republican Party under Donald Trump took strides toward greater acceptance of gay Americans on Thursday, welcoming a gay businessman to the stage and recognizing the community's suffering at the hands of an Islamic State-inspired shooter in Florida weeks ago.
Christian News
Revival Breaks Out in Iran
When we think of Iran, scenes of mobs shouting "death to America," blindfolded hostages, and radical leaders demanding nuclear technology come to mind. But there's another side of the country: Iranians who love America, Israel, and Jesus Christ.
'Christian Post' breaks tradition to oppose Trump
The Christian Post, an online publication oriented toward America's evangelical community, has broken with its tradition of remaining out of US politics to oppose the candidacy of Donald Trump.
Rejected by Mosques, Muslim Refugees in the UK Turn to Christ
Muslims seeking asylum in the United Kingdom are converting to Christianity at a parish church in the English Midlands, according to The Guardian.
Thousands of Muslims Converting to Christianity in Bangladesh Despite Rising Persecution
Even though persecution against Christians in Bangladesh is on the rise, so is the number of Muslims converting to Christianity in the south Asian nation.
Divisions deepen in Church of England as conservatives express 'lack of confidence' in gay marriage talks
A group of conservative Anglicans have expressed their 'lack of confidence' in the Church of England's talks on gay relationships.
Christian Students in China Barred From Going to College Unless They Stop Going to Church
Chinese students attending a Christian house church in the central Guizhou province are being threatened by government authorities who are warning them that if they don't stop going to the church, they will be barred from going to college.