Tag: Christianity

Hal Lindsey, Influential Christian Author, Passes Away at 95 according to website

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(Photo above is a screenshot of hallindsey.com)

TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Hal Lindsey, a prominent writer and television host known for his apocalyptic Christian literature, died on Tuesday according to his website. His death was announced just two days after he celebrated his 95th birthday.

Lindsey gained widespread recognition for his book “The Late Great Planet Earth,” published in 1970 by Zondervan. The publication quickly became a bestseller, arriving shortly after the Six-Day War and significantly contributing to discussions about dispensationalist theology and support for ethnic Jews.

A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with a Master of Theology degree, Lindsey specialized in New Testament and early Greek literature. He pursued ministry work with Campus Crusade for Christ until 1969 and later supported a Southern California mission until 1976. During this period, he also served as a speaker and Sunday School teacher at Melodyland Christian Center in Anaheim, California.

Lindsey’s media career included hosting the “International Intelligence Briefing” on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). In 2005, the network temporarily removed his program, with Lindsey suggesting the decision related to his pro-Israel messaging. TBN’s owner, Paul Crouch, countered that the show was simply pre-empted for Christmas programming.

After resigning from TBN in January 2006, Lindsey launched “The Hal Lindsey Report,” a program focusing on biblical prophecy and current events. By January 2007, he had returned to the TBN network, financing the program independently.

In 1994, Lindsey earned a Doctorate of Theology from the California Graduate School of Theology. He continued writing throughout his career, with many of his subsequent works building upon themes introduced in his first book.

The specific cause of Lindsey’s death was not disclosed in the initial announcement.

INTERNATIONAL: U.S. Church nearing end of restoration following arson

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AMY TURNER

A historic San Francisco, CA church, heavily damaged by a fire in March, is now just weeks away from reopening. However, recent heavy rains have presented new challenges, complicating the final stages of restoration.

St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church caught fire earlier this year, with flames engulfing the building by the time firefighters arrived. The fire crews focused on battling the blaze from outside to safely control the flames and protect a neighbouring business. The church, a crucial community space, has been undergoing significant repairs ever since.

The fire, which is believed to be an act of arson, left the congregation without a worship space for over two months. During this time, services have taken place outdoors, despite unpredictable and often poor weather conditions.

In addition to its role as a place of worship, St. John the Evangelist serves as a daytime refuge for people experiencing homelessness. The fire temporarily disrupted this vital service, forcing those who rely on the church’s shelter to seek alternatives while repairs were underway.

Despite these setbacks, the church’s leaders remain optimistic. They are determined to finalize the restoration in the coming weeks, aiming to reopen just in time for Christmas.

INTERNATIONAL: Pastor T.D. Jakes Receives Medical Attention After Sermon

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AMY TURNER

Pastor Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a “slight health incident” while delivering a sermon on Sunday at The Potter’s House, his megachurch.

The 67-year-old religious leader was seen pausing and shaking during his hour-long message, prompting several individuals to approach him on stage. Social media footage captured the moment.

The church posted a statement on X saying, “During today’s service, Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a slight health incident and received immediate medical attention following his powerful hour long message. Bishop Jakes is stable and under the care of medical professionals. The entire Potter’s House family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the community.”

The Potter’s House, founded by Jakes in 1996 and boasting over 30,000 members, expressed gratitude for the community’s support and prayers.

Jakes, who is also an author, film producer, and was a speaker at President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration, leads a non-denominational church with campuses in Texas and Colorado.

INTERNATIONAL: Nigeria’s Oldest Catholic Priest Dies at Age 104

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JEFF TURNER

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi in Nigeria announced the death of Right Reverend Monsignor Thomas Oleghe, who passed away on November 24, 2024. At 104 years of age, Msgr. Oleghe held the distinction of being Nigeria’s most senior Catholic priest.

Bishop Gabriel Dunia of the Auchi Diocese confirmed that Msgr. Oleghe died in the early hours of Sunday morning at 2:30 a.m. The Diocese plans to hold funeral services for the late priest on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

The announcement came through an official statement from the Diocese of Auchi, located in Nigeria’s Edo State. Bishop Dunia shared the news with the Catholic community through both formal channels and social media.

The Diocese of Auchi made preparations to honour Msgr. Oleghe’s life through a funeral service, acknowledging his lengthy service to the Catholic Church in Nigeria.

This news marks a significant moment for the Catholic community in Nigeria, as Msgr. Oleghe’s age and position made him a notable figure in the country’s religious history.

Ontario Man Awaits Sentencing This Week for First Nation Church Arson

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JEFF TURNER

A court will determine the fate of Emric Thompson next week in connection with a 2020 church fire at Saugeen First Nation.

Thompson faces sentencing on November 27 for burning the Church of Jesus Christ and damaging a worship pavilion with an all-terrain vehicle. The court found him guilty of both arson and mischief causing damage worth more than $5,000.

The incidents took place on September 28, 2020, during a period when several churches in the area experienced fire damage. Thompson stood trial for three separate church fires but was cleared of involvement in two cases. The court found him not guilty regarding the Saugeen Fellowship Baptist Church fire, while prosecutors dropped charges related to Wesley United Church due to lack of evidence.

Superior Court Justice Roger Chown will issue the sentence after hearing arguments from both sides. While arson carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison, Thompson’s sentence could range from probation to two years in custody. Prosecutors have asked for a period of probation lasting two years, plus 100 hours of community service after any jail term.

The sentencing hearing begins at 3 p.m. at the local courthouse.