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3 Bibles Miraculously Recovered From Massive Apartment Fire

by Rhoda Gayle August 13, 2022

Three Bibles of a woman were miraculously recovered from the massive apartment fire in Tennessee.

Apartment fire

An apartment fire broke out in Hendersonville, Tennessee at around 5:00 PM on August 2. The devastating fire left 10 families without a home. However, one woman is still holding on to her faith after seeing a miracle out of the ashes.

Sharon Layne is still hopeful and faithful to God despite losing their home in the massive fire.

“I believe in miracles, and I’m really blessed. I’m so grateful that nobody was injured,” Sharon said in an interview. “And I trust God that, even though we lost everything, I know that He’s faithful.”

Photo Courtesy: WKRN.COM

Three Bibles Recovered

The miracle that she experienced was when the firefighters recovered three of her beloved Bibles from her burnt home. Those Bibles meant so much to her and she was more than relieved to see her Bibles survive.

“They [Hendersonville firefighters] went in and searched for my three Bibles, and one of them was from my husband of 30 years that recently had passed,” she said. “One of them was from my mother that recently passed, and one of them was my Bible.”

One firefighter even noticed something bizarre from the Bibles. The cover of one of the Bibles got totally burned, however, the inside pages were totally untouched by the fire.

“[A firefighter] said, ‘Do you notice how the outside’s burned?’ he said, ‘But the inside, all of your pages, there’s nothing burned or singed on your Bible,’” Sharon recounted.

Let us pray for the affected families that they may find comfort during this moment of loss and that the Lord would provide them with the shelter they needed.

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Reference:WKRN.COM

August 13, 2022 0 comment

Tennessee Middle Schoolers Taught “How To Torture A Jew” In Public School Bible Class

by Ron Cantor February 14, 2022

written by Ron Cantor

This week, a mother in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area blew the whistle on Facebook about her child’s 8^th grade Bible teacher at East Hamilton Middle. Juniper Russo, who is Jewish, alleged that her daughter’s Bible-as-literature teacher instructed the class on “how to torture a Jew” and accused the teacher of “blatant Christian proselytizing.”

Russo wrote on her Facebook page: “I drew a hard line and withdrew my daughter from Bible class when it actually turned hostile on February 2. [The teacher] wrote an English transliteration of the Hebrew name of G-d on the whiteboard. This name is traditionally not spoken out loud and is traditionally only written in the Torah. She then told her students, ‘If you want to know how to torture a Jew, make them say this out loud.’ My daughter felt extremely uncomfortable hearing a teacher instruct her peers on ‘how to torture a Jew’ and told me when she came home from school that she didn’t feel safe in the class.”

The Religious do not utter the name of God but use HaShem (“the name”) instead. Because there were no vowels in ancient Hebrew writings, there can be no assurance on how to pronounce it, and they do not want to mispronounce it. Instead of Elohim, they say Elokim. It is a sign of reverence and respect. While I do not follow this practice, I find this teacher’s behavior exactly the opposite of what Yeshua would want for Gentiles. Paul encouraged the Gentiles to live in such a way to make Jewish people desire what they have (Romans 11:11). This woman is responsible for pushing them away.

Russo said in her post that she had enrolled her daughter in the elective because it was accessible to her even with her disability. Some of the assignments also made her daughter uncomfortable—such as answering questions like, “Do you read the Bible at home?”—because she didn’t want to be singled out as Jewish.

The class is part of a program in 29 Hamilton County schools where the Bible is taught as literature. A non-profit organization, Bible in the Schools, reimburses the district each year for running the program. According to the group’s website, it is supposed to be “non-sectarian.”

The school system said it is investigating the matter. The Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga said it is “aware of the issues,” and they “look forward to a healthy dialog with the Bible in the Schools organization.”

This incident at East Hamilton Middle comes on the heels of the removal of the Maus controversy—another Tennessee school board banned the comic-book style novel about the Holocaust—and the Whoopi Goldberg race comment last week about the Holocaust. It seems like there’s some kind of antisemitic incident in the news every week these days.

This Tennessee Bible class teacher—who I am guessing claims to be a Christian—has sadly just added more injury and reinforced the stereotype that so many Jewish people believe about Yeshua and His followers. Rather than taking up the Apostle Paul’s challenge “to provoke the Jews to jealousy” by demonstrating our love and devotion for Yeshua by blessing His people, she has instead provoked them…to anger and fear, doubt and mistrust.

February 14, 2022 0 comment

Dolly Parton, Amazing Grace new state hymn

Articles

Dolly Parton’s ‘Amazing Grace’ Will Soon Become Tennessee’s New State Hymn

by Christel Berns March 10, 2021

written by Christel Berns

Dolly Parton’s rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ will soon become Tennessee’s official new state hymn as lawmakers plan to declare it one of the state symbols.

Tennessee New State Hymn

In February, Tennessee State Rep. Mike Sparks and Sen. Raumesh Akbari introduced bills that would formally amend the “State Symbols” of the state code.

According to CP, they argued that the state “should recognize songs of historic significance that have influenced the state.”

Then they referenced the hymn’s songwriter John Newton’s Christian faith. As well as his efforts to support the abolishment of slavery in the 18th century.

Photo | Christianity Today

The bill notes that “John Newton struggled against the temptation of profits earned by merchants and slavers and uncertainty as to his religious belief during the first two decades of his life.”

Further, it said, “Mr. Newton’s life, rife with ‘dangers, toils and snares,’ frequently made him feel as though he had been miraculously spared, despite his struggles. … [H]e experienced a spiritual conversion after his ship was caught in a severe storm in 1748; he began reading the Bible and other religious literature during the remainder of his return journey to England.”

Thus, during his first year serving in Olney, England, he wrote one of the “most celebrated songs in modern history.”

Amazing Grace

In John’s epitaph for his tomb, he wrote, in part: “once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy.”

Although the state acknowledges other versions of “Amazing Grace” released, lawmakers chose Dolly Parton’s.

Photo | Vulture

Throughout the Christian singer’s storied career, the song has been a regular part of her songbook. It was even recontextualized as the track “Shine On,” for her 1998 LP Hungry Again, notes CMT.

Reference: The Christian Post

March 10, 2021 0 comment

Articles

Small-Town Church Honors Police Authorities By Giving $1,000 To Every Officer

by Rhoda Gayle July 17, 2020

written by Rhoda Gayle

A small-town Church in Tennessee honored the Police authorities by giving every police officer in their town a monetary gift of $1,000.

Lighthouse Baptist Church

Lighthouse Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Tennessee is receiving national attention after they honored police authorities in a very touching way. With all the criticism police have received in the past months, the church decided to encourage the officers. They conducted a ceremony to honor the entire Jonesboro police force and gifted them $1,000 each.

According to Lighthouse Baptist Church pastor Perry Cleek, they have seen how the police have been “demonized and disgraced and dishonored”. So they wanted to show the love of Jesus.

“Our church watched over the last few weeks … the way that our police officers were treated all over the country,” Perry said. “And we got our heads together and thought, ‘What can we do as a small church in a small town to honor our police, and to let our voice be known?’ … The voice of small-town America is seldom heard.”

Jonesboro Police Officer

23 police officers from the Jonesboro Police Department were honored in a public ceremony. The small-town church is receiving praises for their generous deed.

“I think small towns all over America feel like we do. That we want our voice to be heard, that we love law enforcement – our local police officers,” Cleek said. “And if we can do something to support them and encourage them, then that’s what we want to do. And we feel very good about what we did.”

At least one police officer who received the check donated the entire $1,000 to an elderly woman in need.

Reference: Christian Headlines

July 17, 2020 0 comment

Video

Lauren Daigle Offers Virtual Concert For Patients And Staff Of A Children Hospital

by Rhoda Gayle June 16, 2020

written by Rhoda Gayle

Christian musician Lauren Daigle recently offered a virtual concert for patients and staff of a Children’s Hospital in Tennessee.

Lauren Daigle

Grammy Award-winning artist Lauren Daigle recently performed a virtual concert for the patients and staff of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville. The concert hosted by Lauren was a part of the Gratitunes campaign of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

The virtual event featured six songs by Lauren, which includes hit songs “You Say” and “Still Rolling Stones”.

“To all the first responders, to all those working on the frontlines in the hospitals, to everybody working behind the scenes in the hospital, to the patients and the families that have been affected immensely by the time we’re living in, I would just like to say my best to you, all my love for you. You’re in our prayers and you’re in our thoughts,” Lauren said in the video introduction.

Virtual Concert

The president of said hospital expressed his gratitude to Lauren and other artists who became a part of the virtual concert.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Lauren Daigle and all our friends in the music industry for the outpouring of support for our staff, nurses, doctors, patients, and families, particularly during these unprecedented times,” said Meg Rush, MD, MMHC.

The special event broadcast was viewed by over 1,200 patients and staff of the hospital.

“Music has always been an integral and important part of the fabric of our hospital, with visits in person, and now virtually, from artists like Lauren, and through organizations like Musicians On Call,” Meg added. “Lauren’s healing and inspiring performance uplifted us all and brought smiles to children’s faces.”

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital

Lauren expressed her thoughts about the concert on a Tweet on Thursday alongside a video of the performance recap.

“It was my honor to perform a virtual concert a few weeks back for all the doctors, caregivers, first responders, and patients at @VUMCchildren’s Hospital!” Daigle wrote on Thursday. “Thank you @VUMChealth for helping make this happen” #Gratitunes”

Lauren Daigle - Gratitunes Performance Recap

Watch this video on YouTube

Reference: Christian Headlines

June 16, 2020 0 comment

Articles

Christian Artists From Nashville Opens Up About The Destructive Tornado

by Rhoda Gayle March 8, 2020

written by Rhoda Gayle

Christian artists in Nashville are opening up about the destructive tornado that hit the city early Tuesday.

Destructive tornado

In the early hours of March 3, a destructive tornado ripped through the city destroying dozens of buildings. It also left households and businesses with no power. The fatalities have reached 24 people and other residents are reported missing.

“We have had a loss of life all across this state,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee stated.

The tornado that roared up to 175 mph swept across four counties in Tennessee, those counties were Davidson (Nashville), Putnam, Benton, and Wilson.

Christian artists from Nashville

With the heartbreaking news that came out on Tuesday, some Christian artists from Nashville used social media to express their thoughts and experiences.

“My city,” Kari Jobe posted on Instagram alongside some images from the wrecked city. “So devastated for so many friends and business owners today. We will rebuild. My phone is full of texts back and forth with friends checking on each other. So grateful for community.”

The award-winning worship leader also announced that their church community will be helping those who are in need.

“If you’re in need of help- our church @thebelongingco is here for you. Email [email protected] praying for all who lost loved ones and homes. We are with you,” she added.

Nashville, Tennessee

Mike Donehey, frontman of Christian band Tenth North Avenue shared about his experience too.

“We’re all a bit stunned as we all live in East Nashville, and felt the windows shaking last night, but relieved to report we’re all ok and our houses are good. Please pray for everyone affected by this. We lived through the flood ten years ago and can assure you Nashville knows how to come together in tragedy. Hope in the flood and the fire. Appreciate everyone’s concern,” Mike said.

The band For King And Country also posted on Instagram sharing their experience through the long night.

“Many of us were up through the night listening to sirens, searching for information on what was taking place around us, and checking in with loved ones around Nashville. Be praying for our community as it’s been shocking to see all the devastation this morning,” they wrote.

Contemporary Christian singer Natalie Grant also expressed grief for what happened.

“Heartbroken for our city, pray for those facing devastation this morning because of the tornados,” she shared.

Let us show our support to everyone who has been affected by this natural disaster through our prayers. They need the Lord’s blessings and comfort during this time!

Reference: The Christian Post

March 8, 2020 0 comment

Articles

Revival Explodes Across Tennessee As Churches Unite In Prayer And Fasting

by Christel Berns February 21, 2020

written by Christel Berns

A revival awakening is happening in Tennessee as churches gather together in prayer and fasting during Awaken Tennessee, a 30-day prayer event.

The prayer event started on Jan. 26 and ends Feb. 23.

According to CBN News, more than 1,000 churches united for Awaken Tennessee. 220 churches came from east Tennessee and 800 others came from the central and west. And all the participants committed themselves to a month of prayer.

God Is Moving In Tennessee

Apparently, the event has already sparked interest among the community, pastors say. CBN News reported that visitors attending the event said they can “feel the Holy Spirit as soon as you enter the building.”

Millennials In The Philippines Spark Revival To Fight For This Generation

“This is not about my church or a denomination, we are simply hosting an event in partnership with churches to see true lasting revival take place,” explained Rev. John Butler, the pastor of East Rogersville Baptist Church.

“The Holy Spirit came and took control,” he added. “From the first worship song, people began to flood the altar for prayer, and continued to do so for restoration and to receive Christ. We haven’t manipulated our people. They came expectant and God simply showed up.”

Churches United For The Heartbeat Of God

Furthermore, the East Tennessee coordinator for Awaken Tennessee, Sheldon Livesay, told the Rogersville Review why they’re doing so much for the prayer event.

“This rally is not about our church or any particular denomination. But it is our effort to join the concentrated prayer effort across the state for true revival in our churches that precipitates an awakening in our communities, state, and nation,” he said. “There are exponential results as you bring multiplied groups together to pray.”

Also, Dove Award-winning singers and songwriters Terry and Barbi Franklin started the month long event with powerful worship. Also, former members of the Gaither Vocal Band have also led the worship services.

“We’ve been praying for this kind of outpouring in our own nation for many years,” they said. “We’ve been longing to see America’s churches become houses of prayer again and revived in their first love for Jesus.”

This revival that is happening in Tennessee has been “exploding,” they say.

Source: Christian Headlines

February 21, 2020 0 comment

Articles

Tennessee Police Officer Donates Kidney To Sargent To Save His Life

by Rhoda Gayle November 12, 2019

written by Rhoda Gayle

A Tennessee police officer donated one of his kidneys to a fellow police officer in order to save his life.

La Vergne Police Officer

La Vergne Police Sgt. Burrel “Chip” Davis was diagnosed with kidney failure. The 40-year-old sergeant needed a kidney transplant in order to save his life. Upon hearing the news, Police Officer Eric Cowder, 32-years-old, got tested to see if he was a match and could be a donor for Sgt. Burrel. Test results revealed that Eric was a perfect match for Sgt. Burrel.

Sgt. Burrel kept telling Eric that he didn’t have to do something like this. However, the kind-hearted Eric was determined. Not just that he was doing it for Sgt. Burrel, but he was also doing it for his children. Eric heart was that Sgt. Burrel’s children would not grow up without a father.

“He just kept telling me, ‘You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.’ I was like, ‘Well there’s no backing out not,’” Officer Eric remembered.

Successful Surgeries

The two men underwent surgery at Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The transplant was a success. Both officers are now out of danger and are recovering well.

“Words can’t express how thankful I am to him for stepping up,” Sgt. Burrel said.

Officer Eric shared that the biggest motivation he had for donating his kidney was for Sgt. Burrel’s children.

“I’m glad I was blessed to be a blessing to him,” Officer Eric said.

Praying together

Here is a picture of both Sgt. Burrel’s family and Officer Eric’s family praying before the surgery. It was a beautiful picture of love and sacrifice!

“Both of the City of La Vergne Police Officers, Chip and Eric are out of surgery and in recovery and things look great! Everything is fine so far, so hopefully, they can bounce back and Sgt. Davis can carry on,” La Vergne Fire department posted on Facebook.

Reference: Elite Readers

November 12, 2019 0 comment

Discover more about Christian colleges in Tennessee here on GOD TV.

Articles Faith Lifestyle

Finding The Best Christian Colleges Across The Hills Of Tennessee

by Jeff S. Bray September 2, 2019

written by Jeff S. Bray

Nashville is known as “Music City” or “The Music Capital of the World”. There are a couple of high ranked colleges that focus on a music major. But music is not the only industry that is important among the hills of Tennessee. Fortunately, the best Christian colleges in Tennessee leave nobody behind. From Nursing to Business and Accounting to Psychology, there is a school for you.

Nondenominational Christian Colleges in Tennessee

Sewanee – The University of the South – Our first stop in the Volunteer State. Sewanee ranks number one on the list of best Christian colleges in Tennessee. They have around 1700 students with a student to faculty ratio of 10:1. Their primary major focuses on Economics and Psychology. To attend Sewanee cost attendees around 34K per year.

Milligan College – Milligan resides in its own town of Milligan College; it is another nondenominational college in Tennessee. They are a smaller school with about 750 students with a student to teacher ratio of 9:1 and their students primarily major in Nursing or Business. They rank number seven, and attendees will pay around 21K per year.

Lipscomb University – Lastly in this section, Coming in at number eight on the list of best Christian colleges in Tennessee is Lipscomb University. While predominately an interdenominational setting, they have roots in the Church of Christ denomination. This Nashville-based college hosts around 2700 students with a 14:1 student to teacher ratio. Their most popular majors are Nursing and Psychology. The cost to attend LU is roughly 25K per year.

Presbyterian Christian Colleges in Tennessee

Maryville College – Maryville, as well is named for the town it is part of. It is a Presbyterian college and ranks at number three on the list of the best in Tennessee. The student body hangs around 1200 students. They have a 13:1 student to faculty ratio and popular majors are in the Business and Accounting fields. The cost of attending Maryville is around 25K per year.

Rhodes College – Rhodes is in Memphis and is affiliated with the Presbyterian denomination. They have a student population of about 2000 students and a student to faculty ratio of 10:1. Students primarily choose Business as their major, but Biology and Psychology are also popular. Attendance at Rhodes costs students around 30K per year.

Baptist Christian Colleges in Tennessee

Baptist College of Health Sciences – Also in Memphis, is ranked number four on the list of best Christian colleges in Tennessee. It is a Baptist denomination affiliate and the small school, houses around 600 students. With a student to teacher ratio of 10:1, their most popular major is, of course, nursing. The cost of attending BCHS is around 10K per year.

Union University – Located in Jackson, this Baptist-affiliated university ranks number six. They have around 1600 students and a student to faculty ratio of 10:1. Their primary major focuses are Nursing and Business. The cost to attend UU is in the ballpark of 25K per year.

Belmont University – Finally, on our list of Christian colleges in Tennessee, we have Belmont university. It is, of course, in Nashville. It ranks number 12 and is a Baptist-affiliated college. They are a larger size with around 6500 students and a student to faculty ratio of 14:1. The most popular major is Music Management, followed by nursing. The cost of attending BU is around 35K per year.

The Final Word

As a reminder, this selection is not an exhaustive list of Christian colleges in Tennessee. These are simply the best-rated schools for 2020 based on a study by Niche. Always keep in mind that answering God’s call on your life is key to your education. Listen to wise counsel. Be sure you are conducting thorough research on each school you have interest in. And the most important part is to spend time praying for God’s direction in your life.

Also, as God reminds Joshua, be strong and courageous, you too need to be mindful of His providence. Where God guides you, He will provide. The college years are the years that prepare a student for ministry. God has a plan. Whether it be in the record industry, an accounting office, or setting sail across the world in a foreign mission field. Prayers to you as you continue with your education and search of Christian colleges in Tennessee and beyond.

September 2, 2019 0 comment

Articles

How One Church is Changing Homelessness

by GOD TV November 17, 2018

written by GOD TV

Have you seen a homeless person? How do you see them? What is your response every time you see them on the streets? Do you do something for them? Or do you just keep on walking by…

Homeless people are outcasts in society. Due to varying reasons, they suffer from extreme poverty and can’t provide food and shelter for themselves. But regardless of their condition, or how they got to be homeless, is it right to treat these people lesser than other human beings?

According to UK homelessness charity, Crisis, a homeless person means not only not having a home but also not having a physical space—roots, identity, security, and a sense of belonging and a place of emotional well-being.

The world can instill lot ideas in us about what a homeless person is but still, the heart of God towards them is what really matters.

In 1 John 3:17 it says, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”

Also, in Proverbs 14:31 it says “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”

God is clear about His heart for homeless people and that is to treat them with kindness. Perhaps this church in Kingsport, Tennessee understands this heart of God more than most.

The Shades of Grace United Methodist Church in Tennessee founded a ministry just for serving the needs of the homeless. In fact, more than half of their congregation who come to worship on Sundays, are homeless. 70% of the churchgoers live in poverty or on the streets.

The Shades of Grace volunteers provide food, shoes, clothes, and more for these people. The church also provides a vital service to restoring the dignity of the person in offering a safe place to come take a shower.

One person testified, “They look at you as someone that’s sick that needs help, not someone that’s a burden to society.”

As followers of Christ, this is how it should be. Imagine if every Christian would care for them just as Jesus modeled it in the Bible and put aside every discrimination. The world will surely be filled with His love and He will be glorified!

Open Doors for Homeless

This article was written by Christel Berns Villariza.

November 17, 2018 0 comment

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