MUSLIMS AND CHRISTMAS

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Australian Muslim preacher Wissam “Abu Ousayd” Haddad is a central figure in Australia’s Muslim (Salafi) and Islamic terrorist community. The English-speaking Muslim scholar has also amassed many devoted jihadis on his dangerous social media channels. Despite his violent rhetoric and ties to Islamic terrorists, Haddad continues to operate in Australia with impunity.

Following Hamas’s attack on Israel under the false name Abu Ousayd, Wissam Haddad preached a sermon inciting Muslims to kill Jews. Jihad is required by Allah for all Muslims. Under his real name, he was already known by Australian Government authorities to be a Jihadi terrorist.

Merry Christmas is ‘Hated by Allah’

Over the years, many of his sermons have drawn outrage. For example, on December 16, 2022, Australian Islamic scholar Haddad lectured his followers that saying “Merry Christmas” is “more severe and hated by Allah” than congratulating someone for drinking alcohol, committing murder, committing adultery, or gambling. He added that this is an act of disbelief that sparks Allah’s anger.

AN EXAMPLE OF HOW CHRISTIANS WILL BE PERSECUTED IN THE DAYS AHEAD

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An Arlington, Virginia voter, later identified as a federal contractor, went viral on Tuesday for cursing out a Republican poll greeter, Matthew Hurtt, outside a precinct. In the video of the incident, which has been viewed nearly 12 million times as of Friday morning, the contractor cursed out Republicans as “Bible-beating bigots and freaks” and “rapists” for supporting pro-life, pro-family policies.

The voter opened with: “You ******* people tried to overthrow the election”. (His favorite adjective/adverb began with “f” and is censored throughout this article.) “You might as well have been walking up to my head on the way to the polling station and putting a gun to my head, trying to tell me how to vote.”

Finding a Republican greeter at his deep-blue polling location made him furious. “[Do] you expect me to not take that ******* personally? You ******* try to overthrow elections with violence, and then you’re out here, among decent people?”

Unable to provoke Hurtt, the angry voter continued to seek out an argument and increased his use of foul language. “What do you have to say to that, huh? And what’s on your ******* [sample ballot] — what are your policy prescriptions? … ******* rapists, right? Involving yourself in people’s ******* families, in their ******* bedrooms. You ******* animal.”

The voter began to walk away, but immediately stepped back to threaten the poll greeter, despite just accusing the poll greeter of threatening him. “You try to steal my vote next year, I’m going to ******* remember you personally,” he said. “In fact, I’m taking a ******* picture of you.” Americans have historically worried about partisans intimidating voters at the polls; here is a voter intimidating a partisan at the polls.

Then the voter’s progressive reflexes kicked in, and he remembered the Left’s emphasis on not taking someone’s picture without their consent, which has been used to prosecute undercover journalists exposing abortion centers’ gruesome practices.

So, the voter quickly added, “Is that alright? Do I have your permission?” Hurtt responded, “Yeah, that’s alright. It’s a one-party-consent state.” By that, he meant that it is not illegal in Virginia to photograph someone without their permission. But the voter wasn’t thinking in those categories at all. Apparently, he thought Hurtt was complaining that Democrats run everything in Virginia because after a gratuitous insult he responded, “Yeah, ‘one-party state.’ You want a one-party country is what you want.”

The voter did not seem to recognize the irony of that last statement. By delegitimizing the entire Republican Party, and by being offended by the very presence of a Republican outside his voting precinct, he revealed that he was the one who wanted a one-party country — one where only left-wing Democratic politicians can win elections.

Hurtt tried to end the conversation by engaging another prospective voter who just then walked down the sidewalk, in the exchange relayed above. The disgruntled voter at first walked away, but then he came back again and spoke to the other man.

“Try not to be buddy-buddy with these people,” he warned, “because they put on the face of a good neighbor, but they support lynch mobs and the ******* KKK. Or they’re ******* Bible-beating bigots and freaks. And they’re not good neighbors.

Notice how the man describes Christians: “Bible-beating bigots and freaks.” A bigot is “a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices.” A freak is “one that is markedly unusual or abnormal.” Despite the negative connotations, this angry, progressive voter is describing people who believe the Bible contains absolute truth and are unwilling to compromise on that — in short, Bible-believing Christians.

In a recent interview with Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, House Speaker Mike Johnson discussed the hostility he has faced in Washington as a result of his Christian faith. “There are whole industries, as you know, that are dedicated to taking down public officials like me,” he said. “They can’t stand the idea that someone would openly acknowledge their faith. That’s not in vogue in Washington anymore — hasn’t been for a long time.”

That anti-Christian bias seems to have spread beyond select industries to infect a large part of the federal bureaucracy. So, when Christians go to Washington to advance pro-life, pro-family policies, or even basic morality, they are bound to face near-crushing opposition.

Prior to Jesus’ return to Earth, he told us that Christians would be hated by all nations for His name’s sake.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:9-14

God has given us incredible detail about what will take place in the last seven years prior to His return. We know it is a time when God purifies His church prior to its Rapture to Heaven. There is a great falling away in the church and we see that happening now as more of the institutional/denominational churches compromise with the world with gay marriage and homosexual/transgender leaders. We need to get into prayer so we know what the Holy Spirit is calling us to do in the sphere of influence we operate whether it is family, friends, or workmates. In the above Scripture Jesus said that the gospel of His Kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world and then the end will come. Let us play our part but we also know from Revelation that prior to the seven Bowl judgements God sends out three angels throughout the world to proclaim His eternal gospel.

The Messages of the Three Angels

“Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.”
And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”
Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” Revelation 14:6-12

PERSECUTION GROWS GOD’S CHURCH

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A new study has revealed that Christianity is continuing to spread across the globe despite believers facing extreme persecution for their faith.

The 2023 “Persecutors of the Year” report by the anti-persecution charity International Christian Concern (ICC) details the various groups, organisations, and locations posing a significant threat to Christians worldwide.

The advocacy group claims some 200-300 million believers currently experience persecution for their faith, including torture, imprisonment, and murder. Writing in the document’s forward, ICC President Jeff King says he’s inspired by the courage and strength of Christians who appear to be “thriving” in their faith, amid “unimaginable pain.”

China, Iran, and Nigeria are highlighted as key countries where the Church appears to be expanding despite fierce opposition.

NIGERIA: The ICC argues Nigeria is one of the most dangerous places to be Christian today. Believers are kidnapped, tortured, and killed every week by Boko Haram, Fulani militants and other Muslim extremist groups while churches and Christian institutions are destroyed and burned to the ground. “Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) have killed tens of thousands of Christians and displaced millions to discard Western influence and impose strict Islamic Sharia law,” it reads. Yet, the approximately 100 million Christian population is steadily growing in the region.

IRAN: The report claims that the Islamic Republic of Iran has “one of the fastest-growing churches in the world.” While 99% of the population is Muslim and Christians there are harshly penalised for practicing their faith, ICC reports show a Christian population that has rapidly grown to around 500,000 – 800,000. Iranian Christians face persecution in the form of raids, arrests, fines, detention, torture, and death penalties for practicing their faith.

CHINA: China reportedly has between 70-100 million “underground Christians”. This is despite the communist country “aggressively suppressing free religious expression” which is seen as a threat to national security. House churches face persecution and harassment by the authorities, as they are often unregistered and not sanctioned by the government. Some are denied registration while others choose not to be state-run due to the heavy surveillance and restrictions that are applied.

In highlighting the extent of suffering Christians encounter across the world, ICC says the “resilience of the body of Christ” is also revealed.

We cannot say that Jesus did not warn us of the persecution/tribulation that Christians will face in the last days before His second coming. It will be a church refined by fire that will be raptured to heaven prior to God pouring out His wrath upon an unrepentant world with the Trumpet and Bowl judgments.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:9-13

HOLD TO BIBLICAL VALUES AND PRESENT-DAY MEDIA WILL ATTACK YOU

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Rolling Stone Magazine decided to attack Jonathan Cahn along with Evangelical Christians. Jonathan gives his answer in this video.

Jonathan’s response is a dignified, compassionate, rational response to a twisted, gaslighted, defamatory article! So much for tolerance and diversity. This article is a discredit to responsible journalism and demonstrates Rolling Stones’ obvious lack of credibility and ethics. Again, Jonathan, thank you for your wisdom and articulate, factual exposure of this repugnant article.

God told us that Evangelical Christians would be attacked in the end times prior to Jesus’ return to restore righteousness. Most of the Bible is prophecy and now fulfilled prophecy so that we know the God of the Bible is real and in control of History. We know therefore that this attack by Rolling Stone magazine is demonically motivated and is another Biblical end-times sign.

DID GOD PROMISE TO PROTECT CHRISTIANS FROM PERSECUTION?

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The title is very relevant in a time like this when many Christians are lamenting and asking questions about why God allows them to go through pain, persecution, and suffering after they have given their lives to Christ.

Oscar Amaechina is the president of Afri-Mission and Evangelism Network, Abuja, Nigeria. He writes; “Many of us in Nigeria are finding it difficult to comprehend why God is not protecting Christians from terrorists. Did God really promise to always protect us from attacks? Throughout the entire New Testament, Jesus made clear assertions that Christians should be ready to endure persecutions and attacks (John 15:20, John 10:28, Revelation 2:9-10).

The confusion is that the messages that we are hearing in churches contradict the words of Christ and the reality on the ground. I have heard pastors preach that Christians are not born again to suffer again and that anyone who remains poor or sick after becoming a Christian is a disgrace to Christianity. This is the rhetoric that prompts Christians to feel that God is reneging on His promises. Is it not obvious that God allows trials, troubles, and pain so that we can be partakers of the suffering of Christ in order to be qualified to reign with Him? (2 Timothy 2:12).

A look at the foundation of Christianity will help us to understand why God is not protecting us from persecutions and trials that are faith-based. Christianity was borne on the cross where the blood of Christ was shed for the remission of the sins. The cross is the centerpiece of Christianity and anyone who becomes a Christian is automatically grafted into the cross-journey. Jesus was emphatic about this: “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me” Matthew 10:38

Paul wrote the following Scripture bound in prison knowing death was imminent.

“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful – for he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:8-12

God is not the author of confusion. He cannot call us to partake in His suffering and arise to protect us against the same thing that He has called us into. Our inability to understand the plans and purposes of God is the root cause of our disappointments. We expect things that are simply not promised in His Word. There is no doubt that there are biblical promises of divine protection, but whether they are for persecuted Christians is what we really need to critically look at. Claiming all scriptural promises in the Old Testament and neglecting all that Christ has told us misses the broader picture. Jesus told us to be prepared because persecution is inevitable.

“Remember what I told you: A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also” John 15:20

Instead of asking “Why, God?” We should count it all joy that Christ has found us worthy to be partakers of His experiences.

Jesus encouraged us to brace up and endure the suffering and pains associated with the cross. Important for us who are living in the last days prior to Jesus’ return, He gave us a great deal of information about the tribulation, even the great tribulation that believers will endure during the last seven years.

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.” Matthew 24:21-22

George Bernard, the author of the hymn “The Old Rugged Cross” understood the mystery of the cross and was convinced that he would one day exchange the Cross with a crown. Jesus assured us of the safety of our salvation (John 10:28-29). He promised to never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He also promised to finish the good work he has begun in us (Philippians 1:6). He promised to guard us against the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3). But never did He promise to protect us from persecution and trials.

Let us pray that God will wake us up from our complacency and give us the grace to stand firm and endure the hazards of Christianity with the understanding that He who called us is able to fulfill His promise of everlasting life.

TRUTH IS NO LONGER IMPORTANT ACCORDING TO FINNISH LAW

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Finnish Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen, acquitted more than a year ago after being prosecuted for voicing her traditional Christian beliefs about marriage and sexuality, is back in court, facing charges of “hate speech.”

Räsänen, a parliamentarian with over 25 years of service, and Bishop Juhana Pohjola arrived at the Helsinki Court of Appeal this week to face the prosecution’s appeal of their acquittal.

Päivi Räsänen holds a bible as she arrives with her husband, Niilo Rasanen, to attend a court session at the Helsinki District Court in Helsinki, Finland, on January 24, 2022. 

“Everyone should be able to share their beliefs without fearing censorship by state authorities. With God’s help, I will remain steadfast,” Räsänen told her supporters.

The prosecution kicked off the proceedings with arguments against the defendants, focusing on a booklet written by Räsänen nearly two decades ago and stating that the content was “insulting” and violated “sexual rights.”

The prosecutor argued that the use of the word “sin” in Räsänen’s booklet was “degrading” and that her interpretation of Bible verses was “criminal.”

“The point isn’t whether it is true or not but that it is insulting,” the prosecutor stated, according to ADF International.  

“We can limit freedom of expression in the outward expression of religion,” the prosecution added. “You can cite the Bible, but it is Räsänen’s interpretation and opinion about the Bible verses that are criminal.”

Last year, the Helsinki District Court cleared both Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland of similar charges. The prosecution appealed this decision, arguing that the court had “misinterpreted” Räsänen’s tweet and reached an incorrect conclusion.

Paul Coleman, Executive Director of ADF International, was present in court to support the defendants.

“Criminalizing speech through so-called ‘hate-speech’ laws shuts down important public debates and endangers democracy,” he said.

Räsänen is facing multiple charges related to the content of the 2004 booklet, her participation in a radio debate in 2019 and a tweet containing Bible verses directed at her church leadership.

Bishop Pohjola is also facing trial for publishing Räsänen’s pamphlet, Male and Female He Created Them: Homosexual relationships challenge the Christian concept of humanity, nearly 20 years ago. The charges against both defendants fall under the “war crimes and crimes against humanity” section in Finnish law, adding another layer of gravity to the case.

The case originated when Räsänen questioned her church’s sponsorship of the LGBT event Pride 2019 in a tweet. Following this, she was subjected to 13 hours of police interrogations over several months.

As we approach the time of Jesus second coming He told us that persecution of Christians will increase at that time. In fact, the Bible gives us an incredible number of prophecies about Jesus’ second coming so that Christians will not be taken by surprise. One of the most troubling Scriptures for me has always been this one spoken by Jesus about the time of His return.

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.” Matthew 24:21-22

JESUS WARNED US THAT PERSECUTION WILL ESCALATE IN THE END TIMES

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A now-viral post by Lizzie Marbach, an Ohio pro-life activist which stated, “There’s no hope for any of us outside of having faith in Jesus Christ alone” was met with criticism and accusations of bigotry from two state lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle.

Elizabeth Marbach (picture from her website), director of communications for Ohio Right to Life, wrote the biblical truth on Aug. 15 after what she called a “long day at work.”

“I have had many upset over my ‘unpopular’ and ‘harsh’ posts I had recently made, and I wanted to show some positivity that we can all unite behind,” Marbach told The Christian Post via email Thursday.

What she didn’t expect was a biting response from Congressman Max Miller of Ohio’s 7th District.

Miller — a Republican whom Politico once described as a “loyalist” of former President Donald Trump — called Marbach’s post “one of the most bigoted” he’s ever seen and told her to delete it, adding, “You have gone too far.”

Shortly after, Miller replied to Marbach, “God says that Jewish people are the chosen ones, but yet you say we have no hope. Thanks for your pearl of wisdom today.”

Around the same time, Rep. Casey Weinstein, a Democratic lawmaker from Ohio’s 34th District, quoted Miller’s post and added, “We may be on opposite sides of the aisle, but I stand right with Max on this. Delete it, Lizzie.”

In response, Marbach — who admitted she was “completely shocked” by Miller’s post given that his wife, Emily, sits on the board of trustees for Ohio Right to Life — quoted: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6

Marbach said while she wasn’t surprised by such a response, it nonetheless points to a much larger spiritual truth. “I think his accusation of bigotry points to the eternal truth of the Gospel message itself,” she said. “Jesus tells us that the world will hate us because they first hated him. The Gospel message is offensive to those who are not in Christ, and Miller’s response is just the latest example of this.”

“Remember the word that I (Jesus) said to you: A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also.” John 15:20-23

But alongside that spiritual truth, she added, is a political reality in which, said Marbach, Republicans are growing increasingly tone-deaf and even hostile toward constituents who identify as followers of Christ.

It is just another end times sign. The last prophesied seven years prior to Jesus return to set up His Millennial Kingdom is fast approaching. Probably the most significant end times sign happened over 70 years ago. The re-establishment of Israel as a nation.

We are already seeing the move towards a one-world government with the recent announcement by the UN of a proposed Pact for the Future in September 2024. ,

2024 Pact for the Future

An action-oriented Pact for the Future will be endorsed by Heads of State/Government at the Summit, showcasing global solidarity for current and future generations.

This UN Pact for the Future was started in 2015 with the 2030 Agenda. It was agreed by UN Member States as a plan of action for people, planet, prosperity, and peace outlined through 17 Sustainable Development Goals and related targets.

ESCALATING VIOLENCE AGAINST CHRISTIANS IN INDIA

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A wave of violence in India’s northeastern state of Manipur has left a trail of death and destruction, with the latest incidents resulting in six fatalities and numerous homes set ablaze. The ongoing unrest, which has already claimed over 180 lives and displaced thousands, has now become a significant factor in a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Three victims, identified as members of the majority Meitei community, were killed in the Kwakta area of Manipur’s Bishnupur district, The Times of India reported, adding that they had been living in relief camps and were killed the day they returned.

Retaliatory attacks ensued hours later, the media outlet said. Armed men targeted the area’s neighboring villages belonging to the Kuki-Zo community, resulting in two deaths and 13 severe injuries on Saturday.

The violence erupted in early May following a controversial court order for the state to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas, previously reserved for the tribal Kuki-Zo people, who are predominantly Christian, to the Hindu Meitei population. It would also give the Meiteis the right to buy land in the hills where the Kuki-Zo people live.

Opposition parties, under the newly formed India National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, or INDIA, have accused Modi of “brazen indifference” to the violence, according to Financial Times, which said they have successfully placed a no-confidence motion against Modi’s government on parliament’s agenda, with a vote expected this week.

Last month, the European Parliament passed a resolution urging the Indian government to urgently restore peace in Manipur. “There have been concerns about politically motivated, divisive policies promoting Hindu majoritarianism, and about an increase in activity by militant groups,” the resolution stated. There are also “accounts of partisan involvement by security forces in the killings have increased distrust in the authorities.”

In response to the resolution, India’s Ministry of External Affairs criticized the European Parliament, saying the issue was entirely an “internal matter.”

This escalating persecution of Christians was prophesied by Jesus and included in the three Gospels so we should not be taken by surprise it only confirms that God is in control of all events on His planet, Earth. He is refining His church before He returns first to rapture His Saints and then to pour out His wrath upon an unrepentant world.

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT REMOVES THE CROSS AND RENAMES CALVARY HOSPITAL

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Canberra Catholics and staff of Calvary Public Hospital grieved as the compulsory acquisition of Calvary by the ACT Government took effect on 3 July.

The ACT Government took over the Catholic-run hospital from midnight, ending a five-week battle to save it from the takeover — including a failed Supreme Court challenge.

Now named North Canberra Hospital, all of the crucifixes and other religious symbols were removed and staff given unbranded uniforms to wear.

Most of the 1800 staff remain at the hospital, having switched their employer to Canberra Health Services, The Canberra Times reported.

At a farewell gathering on 1 July attended by the remaining Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, the congregation that established the hospital, members of staff expressed sadness that the symbol for Christ would be removed from above the building’s entrance.

Intensive Care clinical supervisor and educator Megan Reynolds told the Canberra Catholic Voice that looking up at the cross each day upon entering the building had given staff “the courage to keep going”, especially during the peak of the COVID pandemic.

“There was a lot of strength that came from that, and you don’t have to be Catholic to need that,” she said.

FINNISH POLITICIAN WARNS ‘A TIME OF PERSECUTION IS COMING’

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A former Finnish Interior Minister, Paavi Rasanen, prosecuted for tweeting a Bible verse has been re-elected to Parliament in national elections. But Paavi Rasanen told Premier Christian News “a time of persecution” may be coming after news she faces renewed prosecution in the courts.

Paavi Rasanen is a member of the Finnish Christian Democrats, who were elected with five seats, after increasing their vote to four percent under an electoral system that uses proportional representation. “I am very happy”, she told Premier on the outcome of the elections. “It’s possible we will enter negotiations about participating in the new government. I am hopeful,” she added.

She came to prominence in 2019 when she took to Twitter to express concern that her church was hosting a Pride parade. In her tweet, she referenced the Bible. For this, she was charged with “hate speech,” tried under Finnish criminal law, but unanimously acquitted this time last year. Speaking to Premier, the 63-year-old said she will be forced back to court this August after the state prosecutor appealed against her acquittal.

We should not be surprised by what has happened to Paavi Rasanen, Jesus told us this would happen prior to His return.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” Matthew 24:9-12