SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY JANUARY 7th, 2024

Couple appeals case to US Supreme Court
A couple in Indiana is taking their fight all the way to the US Supreme Court. The couple, Mary and Jeremy Cox say their child was removed from their custody due to liberal policies in their home state. The family was forced to relinquish custody of their oldest child for refusing to acknowledge the child’s gender identity. The child, whose identity has not been released was born male and claimed to identify as female. When the family refused to call the child by female pronouns and a female name, the state of Indiana stepped in claiming abuse. The state removed the child from the home, and claimed the child was at risk of neglect. The parents say their job is to keep their children safe and they will not adhere to transgender ideology due to their Christian faith. The Cox family was only allowed to see the child 2-3 hours a week in supervised visits; the child eventually aged out of foster care while in the state’s custody. The family has appealed and exhausted all avenues in the state of Indiana and has now appealed the case to the US Supreme Court. The parents say they want to protect their other minor children and other parents from the same ordeal they experienced.

Christian leaders respond to Pope’s change towards “same-sex couple blessings”
Christian leaders are speaking out after the head of the Catholic Church announced a major shift in policy. Pope Francis recently announced priests in the Catholic Church will be allowed to “bless” same-sex couples. A document was recently released from the Vatican, stating a blessing can be bestowed upon same-sex couples as long as it’s not confused with the ritual of marriage. The blessing ceremony according to the document cannot resemble a civil union or marriage; this includes clothing and words associated with this kind of ceremony. The president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary called the statement a “disaster”. Albert Mohler commented in his statement, “The object here is to bless what I believe scripturally can’t be blessed and shouldn’t be blessed.” Mohler added “This gesture is directly contrary to creation order and the expressed will of God.” Rev. Franklin Graham criticized Pope Francis in his statement. Rev. Graham quoted Isaiah 5:20 in his comments saying in part, “Pope Francis has not approved Catholic priests’ blessing same-sex couples, but none of us, including the Pope has the right to bless what God calls sin… Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.” Representatives from the Vatican defended their actions in the same document stating that marriage is a union between one man and one woman, but people seeking a blessing from God should not be required to have moral perfection.

SNBC NEWS - Update on Israel / Hamas conflict
The nation’s representatives say they continue to defend Israel from all sides. Terrorist reportedly based in Lebanon are now launching rockets into neighboring Israeli territory. The terrorist group Hezbollah has launched several rockets attacking villages near the border between the two nations. One civilian and nine IDF soldiers were reported wounded in that attack; no one was killed. There are reportedly 80-thousand civilians now displaced because of fighting with the terrorist group Hamas; this number may increase as the conflict with Hezbollah grows. The conflict between Israel and Hamas started on October 7th following an attack by Hamas. The terrorist group killed over 1,000 people and took several hundred more as hostages. Two other terrorist groups, Hezbollah and a third terrorist group in Yemen have vowed retaliation for Israel’s defense of its borders.

SNBC health report: the health benefits of pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed protein
Pumpkin seeds are a natural source of nutrients with an impressive list of benefits. Despite its small package pumpkin seeds and its powder can be a beneficial addition to your health regimen. Pumpkin seeds contain all nine essential amino acids. It is rich in four different micronutrients, and rich in fiber. The same nutrients can be found in pumpkin protein powder. The powder form of pumpkin seeds can be added to drinks, such as a smoothie and is an option to receive more of these nutrients. 
The pumpkin protein powder contains nutrients that are beneficial to skin, muscles, and bones, and it assists in mood regulation.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY DECEMBER 24th, 2023

Former student athletes win reinstatement of lawsuit against State of Connecticut
A court of appeals has reinstated a lawsuit challenging male in female competition. Four students filed a lawsuit against the state of Connecticut’s Association of schools concerning fairness in competition. The four former student athletes say they were forced to race against biological males in track and field events originally designated for women under Title IX.  The students say their rights to fairness and equality in competition were violated due to Connecticut’s athletic policy allowed students who identified as female but were biological males to compete. The controversy started in 2017 when two males, who claimed to identify as female competed in state sponsored high school track and field events. The two later shattered several state records dominating the field. Attorneys from Alliance Defending freedom are representing the students. They say Connecticut’s state policy violates federal laws, and reverses nearly 50 years of advances for women.

  UK court keeps ban on prayer at abortion clinics
A UK court has upheld a ban on prayer in front of abortion clinics. Two justices presiding over the case say according to UK law abortion is a right. Meaning prayer and reading scriptures in front of a buffer zone is a crime.  Critics of the law point out police have now begun to intimidate, harass, and arrest protestors for silent prayer. Dubbed prayer patrol officers, the men and women in uniform are being required to remove those praying quietly because of abortion buffer zone laws. Supporters of the ruling claim silent protests of prayer and scripture reading are a form of intimidation for patients. Two pro-life organizations involved in the case say at the end of the day this is really about discrimination and preventing attempts to save human life.

Teacher’s case reinstated by Virginia court
A high court in Virginia has ruled to reinstate a lawsuit by a teacher in that state. Peter Vlaming’s case was allowed to proceed once again following the ruling. The teacher was fired for refusing to refer to a female student by male pronouns. Vlaming cited his Christian faith stating that referring to the student as a male would be considered a lie according to his beliefs. Following his removal, the teacher sued the school board for violating his rights. Students even showed support for Vlaming by staging a walkout over his firing. The case is currently ongoing; SNBC NEWS will update you on this story as it continues.

SNBC health report: we continue our look at natural ways to boost your immune system during the fall and winter season
The weather, especially here in the Charlotte Metro area, can change dramatically during the fall and winter seasons. Because of this its best to build your body’s defense from the inside out. One of those solutions can be ginger tea. We have reported on ginger before and its benefits. Researchers as recently as earlier this year are finding more benefits from drinking ginger. According to research ginger tea helps with nausea relief and treats indigestion. A component of ginger root, gingerol helps with this process making digestion more efficient. It helps with cholesterol levels and inflammation. Ginger tea helps with strengthening the immune system, boosting brain function, and motion sickness. It is considered beneficial to heart and blood pressure issues. It can also be used to alleviate heartburn and helps manage blood sugar levels. The benefits of ginger do not change or diminish based on being produced as a drink. According to research the benefits are maintained regardless of being consumed in a drink form hot or cold.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY December 17th, 2023

Israel’s Prime Minister declares nation is on its way to victory in fight with Hamas
Benjamin Netanyahu declared "It will take more time, the war is in full swing, but this is the beginning of the end for Hamas.” The prime minister used his comments to encourage those fighting for the terrorist group to give up their fight and surrender. The war has continued to escalate now with other terrorists’ groups threatening or attacking Israel. Hezbollah has launched rockets into Israel’s northern border. A second terrorist group in Yemen is threatening a blockade of ships carrying supplies to Israel. The UN recently failed to pass a resolution calling for Israel to end the conflict. The measure was vetoed by the US… Israel’s defense of its borders has continued to be a source of ire around the world. Various news sources have reported a rise in anti-Semitism including here in the U.S… Israel’s government has vowed to continue its campaign until Hamas is destroyed. The terrorist group attacked on October 7th killing over 1,000 people. Over 200 were taken hostage by the terrorist group.

Jewish students file lawsuits over discrimination on college campuses
The rise in anti-Semitism is now resulting in lawsuits at college and universities here in the U.S…. Jewish students at various colleges are now suing, claiming discrimination. Several students at colleges such as Harvard, MIT, and Columbia are claiming threats and fear of bodily harm due to Anti-Semitic activity on campus. The students are accusing the various school administrations of allowing and even encouraging this hostile environment. One student, who served in the Israeli Defense Forces, reported receiving an anonymous threat online following Anti-Israel protests on campus. The rise in threats prompted an investigation by members of the U.S. Congress. The University of Pennsylvania’s president resigned this week following a congressional hearing on Antisemitism on college campuses.

Pastor reports large response to the Gospel in Egypt
A well-known pastor is reporting a major outpouring of God’s spirit at a recent event. Dr. Michel Yousef reported on an evangelism outreach in Cairo, Egypt. The event was deemed the largest Christian event in Egypt history, and was held at the request of a 27-denomination group of pastor and leaders. The group sent a request to Dr. Yousef to preach to Gospel in that nation at a large event. The event, according to organizers, drew 17,000 to the crusade.  Dr. Yousef’s organization, Leading the Way Ministry, reports 7,800 people received Christ as their Savior. There are over 2,000,000 Evangelical Christians and 10,000,000 million Coptic Christians in Egypt. Dr. Yousef is requesting people continue to pray for an outpouring of God’s spirit in Egypt and throughout the Middle East.

SNBC Health report: researchers are reporting new data on Vitamin D
According to three studies conducted in November of this year, government recommendations for Vitamin D should be different. Researchers suggest that Vitamin D should be administered by personalized guidelines. Two of the studies presented data in reference to heart disease. The study found that vitamin D is effective in preventing heart disease. The study also revealed Vitamin D deficiency can cause issues in the body. Another study followed athletes, and researchers reported they responded better when receiving doses of the supplement based on personalized needs. Vitamin D is nicknamed the sunshine element, because it can be acquired by spending time in the sun. It can also be found naturally in various foods. If you’re interested in getting a test to determine your personal vitamin levels, please contact a trusted healthcare professional.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY DECEMBER 10th, 2023

Hamas attacks Israel ending tense ceasefire
The tentative ceasefire between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas has officially ended. The terror group ended the tense ceasefire by reversing course and firing rockets into Southern Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces retaliated by continuing their offensive into Gaza City. Ten more hostages were released prior to the conflict resuming. However, the fighting puts a hold on the release of the other 140 hostages.  The U.S. Secretary of State recently met with both sides; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he told US Secretary Anthony Blinken they will continue to pursue Hamas and its leaders. The Israeli Prime Minister says they will complete their goal to eliminate Hamas and “nothing will stop us.” The IDF forces have also continued their efforts to assist civilians trying to escape the conflict. SNBC NEWS will continue to update on this story as it develops.

UK Poll claims Bible and other books should altered if deemed “offensive”
The results of a disturbing poll were recently published in the United Kingdom. A recent poll found that 25 percent of young adults would ban the Bible in Great Britain if considered necessary. The poll, conducted by Whitestone Insights asked various age groups across the UK what qualified to ban a book. The questions included if the book was a religious text and should be edited if “the text was considered offensive”. According to the survey 23 percent of adults ages 18 to 34, 17 percent ages 35 to 54 and 13 percent over the age of 55 agreed with banning or editing books.  Representatives for Alliance Defending Freedom UK called the poll’s findings troubling. There has been a rise in persecution against the Christian community in Great Britian. SNBC NEWS has reported several cases in the UK involving Christians that are pastors, school instructors, and pro-life advocates that have been persecuted for their Christian beliefs. A poll conducted in 2021 reports less than half of citizens in the UK identify as Christians.

US News Updates: UMC, Planned Parenthood
More churches announce exit from UMC
The national organization reports that 62 churches have elected to leave the regional conference in Michigan. Conservative churches have elected to leave the governing body following controversial decisions involving same-sex marriage. The United Methodist church is the second largest denomination in the U.S. Liberal activists and congregations are pushing for acceptance of same-sex marriage and relationships within the UMC. The national organization voted against these measures after pressure from conservative churches. Thousands of churches have left the group since the mid-200s; so far in 2023 alone over seven thousand churches have elected to leave the UMC governing body.

Planned Parenthood admits fetal heartbeat starts earlier than previously claimed
Planned Parenthood has finally admitted a position that pro-life activists have been promoting all along. In a turn of events that has stunned the pro-abortion community Planned Parenthood now admits the heartbeat of an unborn child starts far sooner than they previously claimed. According to a recent change the organization updated its website admitting a baby’s heartbeat can be detected in the womb at 5-6 weeks. Planned Parenthood had previously claimed that the heartbeat starts at 17-20 weeks. This number was previously used due to the backing of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or the ACOG. The ACOG changed its claims following a recent ruling on abortion in South Carolina. Both groups are still considered liberal and pro-abortion. According to pro-life groups this change on the detection of a baby’s heartbeat now forces Planned Parenthood to change the narrative previously used to convince patients to have an abortion.

SNBC Health report: The health benefits of oranges
Nutrition is important when building immunity in the body. Oranges can be part of that natural building process. Like other citrus fruits, oranges are rich in Vitamin C. This nutrient is essential to a properly functioning immune system. Vitamin C also assists in fighting infections and preventing low blood sugar. Oranges are a natural source of potassium, which is beneficial against heart disease, and the prevention of kidney stones. They add collagen to the body, promoting healthy skin, healing wounds, and building connective tissue. Oranges are beneficial to eye health and help with memory issues. Because of the various kinds of oranges, you may be able to acquire them in season year round. Navel oranges are traditionally harvested between December through March. Blood oranges are harvested from December through April. Clementines and Tangerines are harvested in October through January. You can also drink orange juice but look for juices with no sugar added due to their natural high sugar content.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY DECEMBER 3rd, 2023

 Tentative ceasefire continues between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas
Representatives for Hamas have promised to release a hostage for everyday of the ceasefire. The terrorist group has so far released 40 hostages, including a four year old Israeli American girl. Palestinian prisoners have also been released as part of the tentative agreement. Critics believe Hamas is intentionally dragging out the process to prevent Israeli forces from restarting the offensive in the Gaza Strip. Israel’s Prime Minister says that he will continue the offensive after the ceasefire to make sure Hamas does not threaten the State of Israel again. Over one thousand people were killed in the October 7th terrorist attacks on Israel by the terrorist group.

Chinese government sponsors course in American Schools
There is a growing concern over classes in American schools sponsored by the Chinese government. According to reports Confucius Classrooms are being conducted in public schools across the U.S. The curriculum is a part of a 17 million dollar cultural program in 143 school districts here in the U.S. The classes according to critics are an issue of national security. A superintendent with an Oklahoma school district called the class a form of indoctrination. The classes have been advertised as a method to teach American children Mandarin. Critics say the courses are used to teach children about the Chinese Communist party. The classes are also being taught on U.S. military bases to children of military personnel. Those involved in the courses, including instructors, have not commented on the controversy.

Church of England approves same-sex couple “blessings”
The Church of England has announced another controversial move. The ruling body of the church has announced it will test run special services to pray over homosexual couples. The announcement was made following a vote in favor of this special service. The event will be based on a Church of England handbook created for this specific purpose to allow same-sex couples to give thanks before God according to a statement released by officials. The test run has the support of the Archbishop of Canterbury but was rejected by two thirds for the church’s governing body. The Church of England’s more controversial support of same-sex marriage or civil unions has further added strain between it and more conservative churches. The Anglican church branches on the African continent have protested and publicly denounced the Church of England for its more liberal, non-Biblical stance on these issues. Several churches around the world have voted to split from the international organization and create their own group.

SNBC Health Report: protecting the body during the fall and winter months
During the colder months of the year, it’s important to build up the body’s immune system to prevent issues. Dubbed by the media as cold and flu season, there are natural ways to build up the body’s immune system. The first is a spiritual defense; meditating on healing scriptures is the best way to protect your body and mind from changes in the environment that may affect your body. Vitamin C and Vitamin D3 are nutrients known for their support of the immune system. Zinc is an essential mineral known for its ability to fight against cold symptoms. Honey is known to be effective against coughs. Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and help strengthen the immune system. Chicken noodle soup is proven to help the body due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers also advise getting enough sleep and maintaining healthy eating habits to help maintain the body’s immune system.