Jan. 1, 2019: Iranian Christians sentenced, Jordan calls to ban 'Messiah,' church uncovered in Ethiopia
Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020
Here are the latest headlines, brought to you by The Christian Post.
— 9 Iranian Christians sentenced to prison
Nine Christians were each sentenced to five years imprisonment by Iran’s Revolutionary Court. The believers, who are converts from Islam, were accused of “acting against national security” and “promoting Zionism.”
In Iran, it is illegal for a Muslim to convert to Christianity.
The nine have appealed their convictions.
— Jordan calls on Netflix to ban ‘Messiah’ show
The Royal Film Commission of Jordan has called on Netflix to ban the drama series “Messiah,” which is produced by Hollywood Christian couple Mark Burnett and Roma Downey.
Though the commission had given approval for part of the 10-part series to be filmed in Jordan, it is now deeming that the content of the show “could be largely perceived or interpreted as infringing on the sanctity of religion,” which would be in violation of the predominantly Muslim country’s laws.
Netflix stated that “Messiah” is a “work of fiction,” “not based on any one character, figure or religion.”
— 1,700-y-o church uncovered in Ethiopia
The remains of a 1,700-year-old Christian basilica have been uncovered in Ethiopia, giving archaeologists new insight into when Christianity arrived in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Roman-style basilica, from the fourth century A.D., was found in Beta Samati, an ancient town that was once part of the Aksumite civilization, according to a paper published in Antiquity. The remains of the 60 feet long, 40 feet wide building dates back to the time when Christianity became the official religion of the Aksumite empire.
According to the Smithsonian, the discovery of the church and its contents “confirm Ethiopian tradition that Christianity arrived at an early date in an area nearly 3,000 miles from Rome.”
— Tributes pour in for Lois Evans
Pastors and influential Christians are paying tribute to Lois Evans, wife of Oak Cliff Fellowship Church pastor Tony Evans, who passed away on Dec. 30 after battling cancer.
Dr. James and Shirley Dobson remembered her for “her kind spirit, her warm smile, and for her enormous contribution to the Cause of Christ.”
Filmmakers Stephen and Alex Kendrick called for prayers for the Evans family.
Robert Morris, pastor of Gateway Church in Texas, said that while they are mourning the loss of Evans, they find joy in knowing she’s “in the arms of her Savior.”
Kanye West says Sunday Services saved him from drugs, porn
Kanye West marked the one year anniversary of the launch of his Sunday Service events at a homeless shelter on Skid Row in Los Angeles.
While there, West revealed that his Sunday Service events “saved” his life and proved to be an “alternative to opioids” and “pornography.”
West previously admitted to being addicted to porn. Today, he declares himself a born-again Christian who is now working for God.