Today in History - January 17

1595 - During the French Wars of Religion, Henry IV of France declares war on Spain  (Source)

Recommended sermons and podcasts:

The Colonial Wars of America and Providential Significance, by Historian Bill Potter

1648 - England's Long Parliament passes the "Vote of No Addresses". breaking off negotiations with King Charles I and thereby setting the scene for the second phase of the English Civil War  (Source)

Recommended sermons and podcasts:

I think it was Oliver Cromwell who said:

"You need not hope in order to undertake, and you need not succeed in order to persevere." The following sermons and podcasts are on Oliver Cromwell and the English Civil War:

Oliver Cromwell: Saint, Soldier, Statesmen, by Dr. Alan Cairns (Text: Hebrews 8)

Oliver Cromwell, by Dr. Peter Hammond

Oliver Cromwell and His Russet-Coated Heroes, by Bill Potter

The Life and Labors of Oliver Cromwell, by Rev. Colin Mercer

Oliver Cromwell Lord Protector of England, by Rev. Ian Goligher (Text: 1 Samuel 18:12)

1877 - Capital punishment in the United States resumes after a ten year hiatus, as convicted murderer Gary Gilmore is executed by firing squad (Source)

Recommended sermons and podcasts:

Witches, Vampires, Serial Killers and Death - Standard Reading Fare for 10-Year-Olds, by Pastor Kevin SwansonDahmer - Evolutionist, Cannibal, Or Christian? Interview With the Pastor Who Baptized Jeffrey Dahmer, by Pastor Kevin Swanson

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Pastor Charles Spurgeon once said:

"Wherever the Gospel is preached, the most wicked of men and women are made to sit at the Savior's feet, clothed and in their right minds."

I think I will see Jeffrey Dahmer in heaven - and maybe even Ted Bundy too (See the Bundy/Dobson interview shortly before his execution.). I'm not so sure about Mother Teresa (See: Was Mother Teresa a Christian? and my post: Saving Those Damned Catholics)

Recommended Christian hymn:

The Baptism of Jesse Taylor (insert Jeffrey Dahmer)

Recommended reading (my post)

Since 1980 California Has Built 1 College Campus and 21 Prisons

If you have ever considered being a part of jail or prison ministry, why don't you prayerfully consider donating to Prison Fellowship?