We continue to see the outward signs of God moving among His people, and bringing new people into the Kingdom of God through a relationship with Jesus Christ.  The hope of the gospel is being demonstrated far and wide to counter a deep-seated sense of despair, and the presence of the Lord, as it always has been, is available to bringing hope and healing. The Bible says this in Malachi 4 (ESV), in the final chapter of the Old Testament:
1 For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.
2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.

Can we confidently say that the sun - the Son - of righteousness is rising?  There are pockets of hope that indeed the Lord is moving in powerful ways.

And, as the Bible Society in the UK had said several years ago as the result of survey data, there is a "quiet revival" reported among young people in that country.  However, a promising 2024 survey conducted by YouGov has been withdrawn, according to The Christian Post, which said the survey organization said recently "that it had re-analyzed its data collection. The research group found that the data sample for 'The Quiet Revival' report contained “a number of respondents who we can now identify as fraudulent.”

A previous Christian Post article had reported that YouGov's "report indicated that the proportion of adults in England and Wales who both identify as Christian and attend church at least once a month had risen from 8% in 2018 to 12% in 2024."  Also, "Among 18 to 24-year-olds, the figure reportedly increased from 4% to 16%, with more than a fifth of young men in that age bracket reported to be attending monthly — a particularly sharp rise. Women of the same age group were also reported to have increased attendance, from 4% to 12%."

So was, or is, this "quiet revival" fiction?  Paul Williams, CEO of The Bible Society is encouraged by data from other sources; The Christian Post related:

“This wider picture is also supported by a number of other surveys, based on probability sampling, which point to an increased engagement in faith among young adults compared to older generations,” the Christian CEO said.

Williams pointed to research such as the Ipsos MORI 2023 Global Religion Survey, which found that, on average across 26 countries, 40% say they believe in God as described in holy scriptures. Twenty percent said they believe in a higher power.

“While religious identity overall is shifting from ‘Christian’ to ‘no religion,’ Christianity in Britain appears to be moving from a declining nominal faith to a committed and active one, as cultural shifts — especially among younger people — encourage a more proactive search for identity, meaning and purpose,” Williams said, directing people to Bible Society’s new report, “The Quiet Revival one year on: what's the story?”

In his statement, Williams does admit that, "While religious identity overall is shifting from ‘Christian’ to ‘no religion’, Christianity in Britain appears to be moving from a declining nominal faith to a committed and active one, as cultural shifts – especially among younger people – encourage a more proactive search for identity, meaning and purpose."

But, there are trends that have emerged that can bring hope.  That report, "The Quiet Revival one year on: what's the story?” summarizes trends that it has tracked or observed:

That 4th trend is especially important: there is "a decline in nominal faith, and a growth in active faith."  

So, in the remnants of the discredited YouGov study, there are still reasons to believe that God is at work in the UK - and around the world, including the US.  But, there is a dichotomy out there between the professing believers who don't necessarily hold to a Biblical worldview and those who are living out what is called in that report an "active faith." George Barna has released a copious amount of data showing the disconnect among people who are nominal Christians and those who are not.  

We should always make sure that our lives are heading in that positive direction.  We should certainly guard against regressing in our Christian walk, but standing still - marking time - can lure us to think that we are OK spiritually, when we really are not.  Each day, we should be striving for signs of spiritual growth, and that comes through our personal time with God, which consists of prayer, time in the Word, and listening to the direction for the direction of the Holy Spirit, so that we can reflect His presence in our lives.  Out of our "quiet time" can grow a "quiet revival" that will turn up the volume on our Christian witness.

The twisting of biology in our culture has led to some errant, even harmful, ideas with regard to gender.  Now, you have those who believe that a person can have a biological sex that was "assigned," presumably based on parents' or a doctors choice, and a different gender that is based on opinion, or feeling.  This leads to confusion and despair.  Jesus taught on gender, the definition of marriage, and the sanctity of it in Mark chapter 10 (ESV):
6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ 
7 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife,
8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh.
9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

The words of Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn have rung out throughout the last few years, since she asked prospective U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to define the word, woman.  As USA Today reported at the time:

Jackson, appearing confused, responded, "I’m not a biologist.”

Blackburn chided Jackson, claiming that "the fact that you can’t give me a straight answer about something as fundamental as what a woman is underscores the dangers of the kind of progressive education that we are hearing about."

This type of progressive mindset that was identified by Sen. Blackburn in that Senate confirmation hearing continues to flourish today.   The Daily Citizen of Focus on the Family spotlighted a controversy in the state of Florida, the fire of which was lit by a contestant in the Miss America pageant, Miss North Florida Kayleigh Bush.  The article relates:

On their respective websites, Miss America and Miss Florida require participants to be “female.” No additional language or imagery suggests “female” might refer to anything other than biological sex.

So thought Kayleigh Bush when she competed in — and won — the Miss North Florida pageant in late 2024. But when she leafed through her participation contract for the next stage of competition, the Miss Florida pageant, she found the agreement defined “female” to include castrated boys.

The Daily Citizen reported, "Bush, with Liberty Counsel’s help, tried to negotiate, arguing the contract’s definition of 'female' violated her religious belief that sex is binary and immutable."  But Miss America held fast to that definition, and Kayleigh withdrew rather than 'agree to compete against boys and promote sex rejecting surgeries.'"

Florida's Attorney General has written a letter to the Miss America Organization, in which he stated: "These organizations cannot operate under the false and misleading title of ‘Miss’ if indeed they are open to male participants,” adding, "By promoting their competitions as female-only and then surreptitiously allowing certain men to compete, Miss America and Miss Florida are engaging in a wrongful bait-and-switch advertising scheme targeting young women."

Well, CBN.com reports that the Miss America organization has made a revision to its policy; it says that, "This year, the law office for the Miss America Organization updated its definition of 'biological woman' as a person having 'two x chromosomes.'"

The CBN article stated:

Mallory Hudson, communications manager for Miss America HQ, confirmed the change to the Washington Times, saying, “The current eligibility policy as to gender was formally updated in the second half of 2024 and was revised again in 2026 to ensure consistency, transparency, and respect for all individuals who meet the qualifications to compete."

But, the attorney for the organization decided to take potshots at Kayleigh Bush and Liberty Counsel, basically saying that Miss America didn't do what it plainly did - Stuart Moskovitz stated, "To be clear, we have not altered our policy as the result of Kayleigh Bush's claims. We have merely clarified the language so there can be no doubt as to the intent of the provision. Both the original language and the clarification were designed to prevent men from participating in the competition..."

Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel is quoted regarding their expected endgame of this case, "Miss America should now reinstate the benefits of Bush's crown, including the scholarship that she rightfully deserves."

Beware of gaslighting - that's certainly what seems to be taking place here.  People will attempt to shade the truth by telling you that you did not see what you plainly did.  Or, try to persuade you that you saw something that wasn't there.

I think you could say this whole business of separating the definition of "sex" from "gender" is a form of gaslighting - people are being told their biological sex is different than what their feelings are telling them - now being referred to as "gender."  Feelings can be deceiving - we have to bring our feelings under the submission of the Holy Spirit. Feelings can be confusing, causing people to think they're born in the wrong bodies or that some unnamed someone, "assigned" them a gender.  Well, in a sense that's true, because biology - creation - is evidence of the design of God.  We can be encouraged to tell the truth and to not necessarily believe everything we see - or what we're told that we have seen.

We have to make sure that we are properly listening to the direction of the Holy Spirit and that we are properly placed in order to accomplish God's purposes.  He calls on us to take what He has given us, whether it be spiritual or natural abilities, or even financial resources, in order to help others.  In Acts 16 (ESV), we can read about a plea from a certain group of people:
6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.
7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.
8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas.
9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.  

According to the "Reach the Nations" blog from ABWE, "When the apostle Paul responded to this vision from the Holy Spirit (the “Macedonian call”) in God’s providence, a church was successfully planted, and the gospel spread."  The post added, "However, this famous call was not the last plea Paul received from Macedonia."  It quoted from 2nd Corinthians chapter 8, which says:
1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia,
2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,
4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—
5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

Blog post author Lee Jantzen wrote, "The first call Paul received was for help, the second call was a plea to allow them to help others by including them in the offering Paul was collecting for the church in Jerusalem."  He asks, "When was the last time you or I 'begged earnestly' for the chance to give to the Lord’s work?"

There are number of factors that contribute to the progress of the work of God and the spread of the Word of God.  And, finances are a key part - the Macedonians, even though they were not people of "means," they were generous out of their means.

Cheryl Chumley of The Washington Times, who has been a Meeting House guest in the past, wrote this recently:

The New York Times just reported that the once-ballyhooed Giving Pledge that saw dozens of billionaires publicly promise to distribute half their fortunes to charities has fallen out of favor and now there’s a sort of backlash taking place — indeed, a sort of backtracking, where the promised distributions aren’t happening and the signatories themselves are removing their names.

Cheryl shared, "The Giving Pledge is a philanthropic endeavor founded in 2010 by Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates to encourage fellow billionaires to give at least half of their money and possessions to various charities..."  She writes that the Times stated: “It was unmistakably fashionable [in 2010] to sign the Giving Pledge, which launched with [Charlie] Rose’s gauzy TV interview and a Fortune cover story. The project was born in an era when people like Mr. Gates epitomized a humanitarian culture that espoused both big capitalism and big philanthropy. Being seen as a good billionaire who gave back was important. … Now it’s stylish, in a Silicon Valley contrarian sort of way, to bash the Giving Pledge.”

Why has the pledge diminished?  Chumley contends, "That’s because to the joiners, the actual act of giving was always secondary."  

In the op-ed piece, she offers a Biblical viewpoint on charity, "True givers give in secret, expecting nothing in return, and even denying their giving in some instances. This type of giving — of giver — is once again biblical."

She also comments on a story from the Scriptures "...of the woman who was so touched by Jesus that she gave her last coins to the temple, and in so doing, traded her material poverty for spiritual and heavenly riches. Jesus said she gave more than the wealthy because she gave all and from her heart."

Kinda like the Macedonians, heh?

When giving is self-serving, it brings attention to the seemingly charitable or the philanthropic.  When it's from the heart, something - or Someone - is at work.

It takes money to do ministry, no doubt about it.  When a ministry - Faith Radio - is greeted with a challenge to raise $350,000 to replace aging equipment, we become aware of what it takes to reach the world.  We're thankful for people who have already become one of the 350 people to give $1000 to the cause.

But, also consider the resources held by the body of Christ in the world today.  You have wealthy people who are funding all sorts of unbiblical causes.  But, imagine if the Church not only tithed to their local church, but considered how God could use them to further the work of the Kingdom, what a different world it would be.  You might think a dollar or two can't change a heart, but think about how people's hearts have been changed in pursuing what is called the "Almighty Dollar."  

The Macedonians didn't seem to be millionaires, but they did want to be in on the work of spreading the gospel.  Earnestly.  They wanted to use what might be considered "loose change" for a billionaire and participate in God's plan.  When we operate from a Kingdom mindset, we can recognize that God takes all sorts of resources, including the financial resources to change lives.  We can ask the Lord how He would have us use what He has given to us in order to help ignite spiritual awakening around the globe. 

There is no doubt that the scales of justice had been unfortunately been tilted against pro-life people who have had their First Amendment rights threatened and found themselves arrested for engaging in peaceful protest.  The law responsible is the FACE Act, which stands for Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.  The U.S. Justice Department issued a press release last week, which said: "Based on a review of over 700,000 internal records, the report not only details specific ways the Biden Justice Department weaponized federal law, but also outlines the corrective action taken by the current Justice Department to make right the wrongs of the prior administration."

Concerned Women for America, in a press release, highlighted these aspects of the report:

1. The Biden DOJ violated the rights of Americans by its biased enforcement of the FACE Act. 2. The Biden DOJ collaborated with pro-abortion groups to track pro-life activists’ First Amendment activity. 3. Biden DOJ prosecutors engaged in inappropriate conduct and comments. 4. The Biden DOJ pursued more severe charges and significantly harsher sentences for peaceful pro-life defendants than violent pro-abortion defendants. 5. The Biden DOJ sought to provide funding to pro-abortion groups.

The release by the DOJ highlighted actions that it and President are taking, including: "President Trump issued full and unconditional pardons to many of the pro-life Christians unfairly targeted by the Biden DOJ," and "DOJ has settled civil cases to address the injustices and took personnel action against those responsible."  According to the report, "The Trump DOJ issued a directive that, moving forward, DOJ prosecutors may only bring abortion-related civil actions and prosecutions under the FACE Act in extraordinary circumstances or in cases presenting significant aggravating factors."

One pro-life individual who had been arrested in a pre-dawn raid at his home was Mark Houck.  The Christian Post reported last week that, "In a statement published Thursday, the pro-life advocacy group 40 Days for Life Institute of Law & Justice announced that pro-life activist Mark Houck won a settlement of over $1 million nearly four years after the early morning FBI raid on his home generated outrage." The article noted that Houck had been "charged with violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act...in 2022."

It's become quite an issue across the nation as school officials are being directed to keep secrets about a student's gender identity from the child's parents.  And, it has cost a school board in Indiana.  The Christian Post reported that, "School counselor Kathy McCord sued the South Madison Community School Corporation after being fired for refusing to follow a policy that required staff to conceal from parents that their child identified as the opposite sex while at school."

McCord's issues with the school board began in 2021, when it issued a "Gender Support Plan" that, in and of itself, was supposed to be kept a secret.  The article notes: "In March 2023, the school board for the South Madison Community School Corporation decided to fire McCord for her public opposition to the plan."  McCord had been referred to in a Daily Signal article.  Alliance Defending Freedom filed a lawsuit after she was fired.  The complaint stated, “South Madison fired Mrs. McCord for exercising her constitutional rights. And even before its unconstitutional retaliation, it compelled her to speak a viewpoint that violates her religion..."  The school district has settled with Kathy McCord for almost $200,000.

Tommy Waltz is an evangelist with Gospel of God Ministries.  He and his ministry team have visited a number of public festivals in the Raleigh, NC area to share a message about Christ; they have found themselves being told to leave public areas.  Liberty Counsel has responded by sending a demand letter to the Raleigh Police Department; on its website, the Christian legal organization stated, "The letter, addressed to Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce, states that city police officers repeatedly ordered Christian evangelist Tommy Waltz and other ministry members to stop preaching, turn off its sound system, and leave public streets and sidewalks during several public events."

The website noted:

Streets and sidewalks are “undisputed quintessential public forums” with heightened First Amendment protection, wrote Liberty Counsel. Since the restrictions were not “content-neutral” or “narrowly tailored to a significant government interest,” nor did they “leave open alternative channels of communication,” they fail the “time, place, and manner test” for restrictions on public gatherings and speech.

Liberty Counsel states, "Raleigh police officers unconstitutionally denied access to public sidewalks, improperly relied on event coordinators’ objections, and misapplied local noise ordinances to curtail the ministry’s speech."  Liberty Counsel has asked for a response by this Thursday, April 23.

There is something very powerful that occurs when God's people come together and engage in corporate worship.  I believe that as we humble ourselves before Him and surrender to His presence, that the Spirit of God will move among us, and we can experience the touch of His hand on our lives - as Psalm 22 (ESV) reminds us:
3 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
4 In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them.
5 To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

The King James says that God "inhabitest the praises of Israel."

On a Good Friday in Nashville each year for 10 years now, thousands have gathered at Bridgestone Arena for an evening of praise and worship, led by Chris Tomlin.  My wife and I attended last year and already have tickets for next year's event.  Honestly, it's a tough ticket - we waited too late to get tickets in the lower bowl for this year, so I was ordering 2027 tickets the night before Good Friday.  

The website Music Row quotes Chris Tomlin as saying, “I never would have dreamed we’d be 10 years down the road with this Good Friday Nashville concert,” adding, “It’s been quite a beautiful journey and something that I look forward to every year.”

The article goes on to say:

The roots of the event trace back well before its Nashville debut. Tomlin first experienced the impact of a multi-church Good Friday gathering while living in Houston, later continuing the model in Atlanta. When he relocated to Nashville, he saw an opportunity to build something similar, though he admits he didn’t anticipate its eventual scale. Over the past decade, Good Friday Nashville has grown into the largest ticketed Christian concert ever held at Bridgestone Arena, while also becoming the venue’s longest-running annual charity-related event. It now ranks among the most significant recurring concerts in the building’s history, tying with Taylor Swift for the second-most headlining appearances.

And, the proceeds benefit a ministry.  The article says, "Each year, proceeds are funneled back into the community, supporting initiatives tied to foster care and adoption through For Others, the nonprofit founded by Tomlin and his wife, Lauren. The organization has since grown into a national network connecting donors, nonprofits, businesses and government partners to address the foster care crisis."

The event has acquired a reputation for its special guests, and this year was no exception for the 10th anniversary.  Last year, Phil Wickham was among the guests.  This year, Michael W. Smith was part of the lineup, along with Hillsong's Brooke Ligertwood, Dwan Hill and The Choir Room, and an Iranian artist named Golnosh Khorasani, who gave thanks to participants on Instagram, including speaker David Nasser, perhaps best known for his years of service at Liberty University, who now leads For Others.  He also used to pastor in Birmingham.

It's incredible to be in the midst of 15,000 people lifting up praises to the Lord.  And, I believe that God will meet us in our corporate worship no matter the size of the room or the crowd.  We should ideally come into the presence of God with an expectancy that He will meet us that He will show up and do His sovereign work in our lives.

We can also reflect on how we commune with God each day.  It can be in a consistent quiet time, in prayer, calling out to God and listening to His Spirit, and in the reading and study of His Word.  Decide on how you want to read the Scripture, execute the plan, dig deep into His Words, and allow the Holy Spirit to show you fresh wisdom from the Word.

And, throughout our daily activities, we can maintain a sense of His presence.  That can even be through personal worship time, maybe even as we drive or walk. Please remember, listener-supported Faith Radio can keep you company with rich, solid Bible teaching and music that can usher you into the presence of God and remind you of His goodness and love.  You can listen on your radio, through your smartphone, on your computer, and in a variety of ways - through a live signal, live streaming, or on-demand at your convenience.

We have an assortment of amazing stories that we can find in the Bible, which all contribute to the overall narrative of God's interaction with humanity.  We find flawed individuals, sinful people, whom God uses to accomplish His purposes.  And, above and through it all, we find that we have a perfect Savior who perfectly executed God's perfect plan and became the perfect sacrifice for our sins.  In Hebrews 10 (ESV), we can read these words:
11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,
13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet.
14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

As reviewer Joseph Holmes notes at Religion Unplugged, one of the chosen Biblical characters in the recent Fox mini-series, The Faithful: Women of the Bible, may not have been perfect enough.  He writes in a review concentrating on the Sarah episode:

One of my favorite aspects of the film was Sarah’s perspective on Abraham’s relationship with God. If there’s narrative potential in focusing on the matriarchs of the Bible rather than the patriarchs, it’s this angle. What’s it like to follow someone who claims they’re following God and they keep doing crazy and unbelievable things?

The way the show portrays it, Sarah’s intense loyalty to her husband kept her following, but her doubts led her to find more “reasonable” ways for his promises to come true.
 
But the film also seems embarrassed that Sarah doesn’t have enough Hollywood heroic things to do. So they make a bunch of stuff up.

I understand why filmmakers, in dramatizing stories from the Bible, will sometimes take some creative license to adapt it for the screen.  For instance, I think Jon Erwin and his team have done an excellent job in magnifying the Bible character of David, who is caught in the treachery of the House of Saul in the streaming series, House of David.  Most Biblical dramas will tell the stories in a "well, it could have happened this way," mode.  But, we shouldn't miss the point of what the Scriptures teach us; as Holmes writes: "The Bible doesn’t airbrush its heroes' brokenness; it teaches us to confront our own brokenness and have empathy for the brokenness of others. Even while still holding ourselves and them to high standards. The Bible’s praise for its flawed heroes can give us courage that our flaws don’t bar us from admiration as well."

Meanwhile, Mel Gibson is telling the stories of Jesus through two new films set for release next year, sequels to his blockbuster movie, The Passion of the Christ.  Gibson told Joe Rogan, according to Variety, "My brother and I and Randall [a reference to co-writer Randall Wallace, who collaborated with Gibson on Braveheart] all sort of congregated on this. So there’s some good heads put together, but there’s some crazy stuff...And I think in order to really tell the story properly you have to really start with the fall of the angels, which means you’re in another place, you’re in another realm."  Variety reports that The Resurrection of the Christ Part 1 will premiere on Good Friday next year, which is March 26.  Part 2 releases 40 days later, on Ascension Day, May 6.

And, Jon Erwin is at it again with another Biblical epic - a three-part series called, The Old Stories: Moses, to be released by The Wonder Project, according to Movieguide.  The article quotes from Erwin:

“Moses is one of the most iconic figures in history, and his story still resonates with us today,” Erwin said in a press release. “We set out to tell THE OLD STORIES: MOSES with a cinematic awe and scale that feels both epic and personal. I am especially proud of the cast performances, and I can’t wait for people to see it on Wonder Project.”

Ben Kingsley will star in the title role in the mini-series.

The stories we find in the Scripture all are inspired and correlate with the overall story arc of the Scriptures, which deals with a perfect God loving and redeeming imperfect people. And, we are taught through the Bible how we, through accepting Jesus as our Savior, we can live a holy life, not out of our own strength, but through His.

As it's been said, we're part of His story.  Even though the writing of the Scriptures is complete, their work is by no means finished.  Because the Lord is working in us by His living Word and by our knowledge of Christ, the living Word, who lives in our hearts and produces fruit, the fruit of righteousness, through those who choose to follow Him.

We grow in our faith as we allow the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts through His Word - the proclamation of truth can be a powerful force in transforming our minds, thinking Godly thoughts, rejecting the ideas of the world, and walking in Christ's power.  We should powerfully contend for the truth in our lives.   Romans 10 tells us that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.  In the book of Jude (ESV), we can find these words:
3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

We are all contenders for the faith, and Faith Radio is devoted to providing sound Bible teaching and uplifting music so that you can grow in the Lord.  We desire to be a trusted source for material that is consistent with Scripture.  And, our primary medium to do that is through radio - the transmission of the spoken word.

The Nielsen company has released a new report called,  “Audio Today 2026: How America Listens."  Inside Radio states, "The study finds that radio reaches 93% of all U.S. adults each month, making it the top-reaching media platform in the country...Even among the hard-to-reach 18-34 audience, radio reaches 89% of the population."

The article goes on to say that, "The medium also dominates ad-supported audio listening. According to Edison Research’s Share of Ear data cited in the report, radio accounts for 55% of daily ad-supported audio listening among adults 18+. Podcasts account for another 21%, while ad-supported streaming audio captures about 15% of listening time."  It adds: "Radio’s strength is particularly pronounced in the car, where it captures more than 80% of all ad-supported listening time. The report notes that nearly three-quarters of out-of-home radio listening during weekday morning and afternoon drive occurs in vehicles."

Here's another "radio" nugget: An FMR / Eastlan Ratings National Radio Listening Survey "reveals that 84% of adults 25-64 listen to Radio weekly. Radio has been remarkably consistent over the last five years, revealing stable dominance in the audio space."  In that age demographic, 63% listening to streaming audio and 40% listen to podcasts.  That's according to the RAMP24/7 website.

And, there's more good news.  Looking at just the media practices of the evangelical Christian audience, Christian Daily reports:

Nearly half of evangelical Protestants in the United States engage with Christian media on a daily basis, and more than two-thirds do so at least weekly, according to new national research released by Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research.

The study found that 48% of evangelicals consume Christian media daily, while 69% engage at least once a week — levels researchers say stand out at a time when many media platforms face declining trust and shrinking audiences.

According to the report: "Researchers examined 11 forms of Christian media and found that Christian music, radio and social media rank as the top three weekly touchpoints, each reaching more than half of evangelicals. These platforms serve as consistent channels for biblical teaching, encouragement and inspiration, according to the report."

We need to be encouraged in our walk with the Lord.   Radio, as a form of media that can go wherever you go, including into your vehicle, can be a tremendous resource for spiritual growth.  And, we see that even younger generations are engaging with radio.  We MUST be there for them.  You can find out more about our "Reaching the Next Generation" initiative through our website and app.

We live in times where there are significant numbers of media sources.  Our desire at Faith Radio is to be a trusted source, to which you can turn and hear Biblically-sound teaching and music that exalts the Lord.  We encourage you to make Faith Radio part of your daily spiritual habit through which you can grow.  Turn - to truth.

Today is known as Tax Day, the deadline for filing federal income taxes, and where applicable, state income taxes.  And, as it's been pointed out, when we owe taxes to our governing officials, we can actually celebrate God's provision - because He has blessed us with income.  Kinda changes the focus, doesn't it?  And, our taxes actually go into governmental coffers in order to hire employees who will implement the laws of our land. In Matthew 22 (ESV), we see a snapshot from the life of Jesus, where the Pharisees were attempting to lay a trap for Him - they said:
17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”
18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites?
19 Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius.
20 And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?”
21 They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.”
22 When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.

In Romans 13, Paul writes in verse 7: "Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed."  Various agencies of government, charged with making critical decisions every day, are funded by our tax dollars.

It was great to have Emily Washburn from The Daily Citizen of Focus on the Family on The Meeting House on Faith Radio recently to discuss the recent jury decision regarding irresponsibility on the part of social media companies.   Several weeks ago, she covered another story, this one having to do with the implementation of employment law.  She wrote about the The Fair Treatment of Religious Organizations Act, which has been introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives, "would prohibit the federal government from refusing religious organizations tax-exempt status or federal funding eligibility based solely on their beliefs about marriage and sexuality."

The article notes, "The act addresses legislative uncertainty caused by the Supreme Court’s infamous ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County, which changed the definition of 'sex' in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sexual orientation and so-called gender identity." I will note that this decision became part of a plethora of attempts to change that definition in other areas of public life; for instance, allowing males to play in female sports is a result of a similar attempt to change it.  Washburn notes: "When the Supreme Court redefined sex in Title VII to include protections for sexual orientation and 'gender identity,' it didn’t just undermine Congress’ original intent — it gave left-wing idealogues legal power over religious employers."

As the Daily Citizen article states:

Justice Neil Gorsuch explicitly acknowledged the problem Bostock posed for religious organizations in his majority opinion, writing:

We are … deeply concerned with preserving the promise of the free exercise    of religion enshrined in our Constitution; that guarantee lies at the heart of
 our Constitution.

Though Justice Gorsuch went so far as to sketch out what religious exemptions to Bostock might look like —rooted in the First Amendment, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and existing legal exemptions for religious employers — the protections remained theoretical, and religious organizations remained on eggshells.

Gorsuch wrote the majority opinion in Bostock.  And, even the justice was aware of its implications.  And, even the EEOC has fought back; the article relates:

It was only this January that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted to rescind its “Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace,” which would have forced federal and private sector employers — including religious employers — to abide by Bostock’s expanded definition of sex discrimination, including forcing women to share private spaces with biological men.

When the ruling was issued, Focus on the Family President Jim Daly was quoted by The Daily Citizen; he said: "There is only one word for what the Court has done today: legislation...Our concern now is for how future courts and public officials will apply this decision against people of deep faith who own businesses, run religious educational institutions and continue to adhere to the biblical definitions of marriage and family. I fear this increasingly legislative-oriented majority has sown the wind and now innocent people of good will and faith will reap the whirlwind.”

It's interesting how certain Supreme Court justices warned of negative implications toward people of faith in writing decisions that threatened them; Gorsuch did that here, then-justice Kennedy did it in Obergefell.  He wrote: "...it must be emphasized that religions, and those who adhere to religious doctrines, may continue to advocate with utmost, sincere conviction that, by divine precepts, same-sex marriage should not be condoned. The First Amendment ensures that religious organizations and persons are given proper protection as they seek to teach the principles that are so fulfilling and so central to their lives and faiths, and to their own deep aspirations to continue the family structure they have long revered."

Try telling that to Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk who had an appeal of a court judgment against her turned back recently by the Supreme Court.  Or, others who have found themselves rhetorically - and legally - bludgeoned by the force of the LGBT forces.  In our country, we must continue to hold the practice of faith in high regard.  And, recognize that our nation was founded on principles that are consistent with the Bible. Bostock and Obergefell gave special rights to those who practice behavior that conflicts with Scripture, and we should pray and petition lawmakers to make amends for laws that violate our founding principles.

Kudos to the House of Representatives in Tennessee, which voted that "...same-sex marriages do not have to be recognized in the state of Tennessee," according to Nashville's News Channel 5.  This is commonsense legislation that would right an egregious wrong that has opened up the floodgates to the practice of homosexual and transgender activity.  

While we should certainly show the love of Christ to those in our neighborhoods and workplaces who do not hold to a Biblical view of sexuality, that doesn't mean that we should not speak and act according to the directives of the Scriptures.

Sometimes it seems that innumerable topics of speech are fair ground and perfectly acceptable in public settings.  But, let a Christian speak about his or her faith, and all of a sudden, there are issues.  Implications.  Loss of livelihood and dignity.  So many subjects to discuss, but one can sometimes be off-limits.  But, we know why, don't we?  They don't want to hear about and accept God's authority, otherwise they would have to obey it.  Paul and Barnabas experienced that, and in the book of Acts, in chapter 14 (ESV), we can read:
1 Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.
2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.
 3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

College student Paige Rogers has encountered some "poison minds," working in a coffee shop where her supervisors believed she was serving up something poisonous, or at least they acted like it. First Liberty reported this:  "After being asked by a coworker about her views on marriage and other sensitive topics, Paige respectfully shared her Christian beliefs. Following this, Heine Brothers terminated Paige via text because of those Christian beliefs."

Just like that - talk about the weather, that's OK.  The latest pop star - no problem.  Even those "sensitive topics," if her views had made the "approved" list.  But, talk about Christ - a toxic brew!

Cliff Martin, Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute, visited our booth at NRB with another First Liberty client, a teacher who had chosen not to teach LGBT-oriented material and was reassigned (the teacher was exonerated, by the way).  He said this about Paige's case: “The idea that an employer can fire an employee for simply voicing a religious belief, after being invited to do so, is chilling,” adding, “No employee should have to hide their faith in order to keep their job.”

Paige Rogers has decided to speak out in a more public forum than the coffee shop where she used to work in Louisville.  She wrote an op-ed for FoxNews.com, in which she said: "My Christian faith is a core part of who I am. My faith in Christ defines who I am and how I view the world. I am a sinner saved by grace and God has changed my heart. Ever since Christ saved me, I now seek to love others as Christ first loved us. That is my joy in life."

She related: "I’ve always been open to answering questions about my faith, so when given this opportunity to share my Christian views, I responded truthfully, respectfully, and only when invited to share."  She was fired - by text - a week later.  That was that - no due process, no chance to tell her side of the story, no sense of fairness.  The coffee company claimed they conducted an investigation, but Paige was not included.

First Liberty is filing a charge of discrimination before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.  

And, for good reason - since Paige wasn't allowed a discussion with her former employers, she has sought a national forum in which to make her case, and the overall case for freedom of expression.  She wrote: "People might not agree with my religious beliefs, but alignment with my personal opinions is not the issue. The freedom for coworkers to voluntarily converse and share differing viewpoints without fear of termination is what’s at stake here."  

Plain and simple, as Paige Rogers wrote, "I was fired for my faith. Christians are called to speak the truth in love, and I firmly believe that is what I have done. I hope to encourage others going through a similar situation to stay firm in their faith and trust that God will do the rest."   She said, "My simple request is that Heine Brothers offer the same safe and welcoming environment to its religious workers that it offers to its customers."

Love and understanding grow as we engage in conversation.  But, there are those who don't want to converse, they prefer to silence.  And, believers in Christ have been on the receiving end of that treatment for centuries.  Jesus Himself experienced that pain of silence, which resulted in His death on a cross.  And, there will be times when we face hostility, ridicule, and persecution.  

But, that should not persuade or intimidate us to face a self-imposed silence.  Jesus said we'd face tribulation in this world, but we could maintain a sense of "good cheer," of joy in Him, because ultimately we know that we are not at home in this world, but that we have an eternal home in Him.  And, we should want to take as many people with us to that place; the place Jesus has prepared for those who call upon His name.  

Paige gets it - she believes in a view of the world that is not of this world.  And, that firm foundation in Christ governs her behavior, including the words of her mouth.  We can also speak the truth in love, respond to people in grace, and spread the sweet aroma of Jesus Christ, which is far more savory than anything that coffee shop can brew.  Because we have consumed His living water, we can spread the words of life.

We are fortunate as Americans, even though there have been challenges, to have a Constitution that provides for free speech and freedom of religion.  However, there are not only officials in the U.S. but in other countries as well who have a different idea about these cornerstone freedoms.

Take Canada, for instance.  As The New York Post published recently, from a Fox News piece:

Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act, introduced by Canadian Liberal Justice Minister Sean Fraser, passed the House of Commons on March 25 and now heads to the Senate.

The measure would expand Canada’s hate speech laws, create a new hate-crime offense, and add penalties for intimidating or blocking people from accessing houses of worship, cultural spaces, schools, senior residences, and cemeteries.

The article notes that, "Christian and Muslim groups say the change could chill sermons, religious debate, and other faith-based expression, while the Liberal government and some Jewish advocacy groups say the bill is aimed at combating antisemitism, not criminalizing religion."  It quotes member of Parliament Andrew Lawton, who says: "the legislation could leave faith communities vulnerable to prosecution for sharing their beliefs or quoting Scripture."

Mission Network News reported recently on the court ruling against a member of Parliament in Finland who faces punishment for speaking out from a faith perspective. MNN quoted Floyd Brobbel of Voice of the Martyrs Canada, who stated: "The concern remains that the loosening of the definition of hate could, in fact, in the long run, do exactly what they say the bill will not do.”  

MNN said: "At a deeper level, the situation raises questions about how religious beliefs are interpreted in modern legal systems — whether they are assessed on evidence or increasingly through the lens of perceived offense. Some observers see parallels between the developments in Finland and what could potentially unfold in Canada."

While members of Congress are supporting a bill that would restrict the distribution of the so-called "abortion pill" by withdrawing approval by the Food and Drug Administration, state-level attempts to remove one way for women to terminate their pregnancies have been advancing.  Liberty Counsel reported on three states who have taken concrete steps; its website reports:

• "Mississippi legislators passed House Bill 1613, which amends the state’s overall drug trafficking laws, and classifies sending abortion pills into the state as a form of drug trafficking when prescribed without an in-person visit and with the intent to cause an abortion."  Also,
• "Tennessee’s House Bill 5, which advanced out of the state assembly’s House Health Committee to the state Senate, aims to hold out-of-state abortion pill distributors liable in wrongful death lawsuits if drugs mailed into the state caused the death of a unborn child." And,
• "...the Arizona House of Representatives advanced HB 2364 that would make 'providing an abortion-inducing drug via courier, delivery, or mail service' a felony carrying a prison sentence of up to four years. The bill would also make ordering abortion drugs—not just mailing them—a class one misdemeanor, which would carry a penalty of up to six months in jail or fines of up to $2,500."

And, recently, as Family Research Council reported, a federal judge declined to issue a stay in a case brought by the state of Louisiana against the distribution of the abortion pill, but issued a warning to the FDA.  FRC President Tony Perkins stated: "In deference to the executive branch, the court agreed to allow the FDA to complete the review it has promised, but the FDA has not even indicated whether this review has started to this day. The court has given the FDA no more than six months to report on its progress. The court's message seems to be 'we are watching!'"

Times Square in New York City has become one of those national gathering places where people gather in large numbers.  And, on the evening of Easter Sunday, thousands came out to worship the Lord and declare that Jesus is alive!  CBN.com reported that Pastor Mike Signorelli hosted the gathering, stating:

Thousands of people attended the services, packing the popular tourist destination while Signorelli proclaimed the Gospel. It was a moment motivated and inspired by prayer.

The service was also televised globally, with more than 40,000 people watching online. And Signorelli said his team received messages indicating more than 600 people made a decision to follow Christ during one part of the event.

The article went on to quote the pastor as saying, “I live in New York City with my family, so I’ve got two daughters, and my wife and I are just trying to be a light in the darkness,” adding, “And of course, New York City is getting incredibly dark, and whether it’s false religions, whether it’s witchcraft and … we’ve just seen politically it’s an incredibly dark place.”  The article noted, "Signorelli said he was praying about what he could do on Easter to help stem the tide of chaos and felt that doing a service in Times Square would be a powerful vehicle."

With approval from the mayor's office, the service went forward.  The pastor had said, "So I think God’s making a big statement. This is bigger than me, bigger than our church. I think this is really about Jesus Christ.”  He said, "I believe God divinely and supernaturally opened this door.” 

Even though we have professed Christ, have been born again, and have the Spirit of God living in our hearts, we are prone to what has been called, "spiritual amnesia." We are prone to forget what God has done for us.  And, I believe that we are in a season in which God is calling us to remember Him - as a Church and as a nation.  We need Him day by day, and we must be careful that the cares of this world don't choke out the awareness of God.  In Deuteronomy 8 (ESV), as Moses addressed the Israelites, He said this:
11 “Take care lest you forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today,
12 lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them,
13 and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied,
14 then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery...

What amazing wonders God had performed in the midst of His people, but how forgetful the people of Israel were.  Yet, the Lord was longsuffering toward them.

I believe that remembering calls to mind another word that starts with "re-," revival.  

As the month of May begins, a revival crusade that was endorsed by the South Carolina legislature will be held in Charleston.  CBN reported recently:

Republican State Rep. Mark Smith spoke with CBN News about why he spearheaded a concurrent resolution, signed by every legislator in the state's House and Senate. It supports the May 1-3 World Harvest crusade and calls for "the voluntary rededication of South Carolina to the Almighty God through prayer, repentance and moral renewal among its citizens."

The measure commends World Harvest evangelist Jacob Ebersole for organizing the Charleston crusade.

Closer to home, Alabama legislators passed a resolution calling for September to be designated as a month of prayer and fasting.  They also passed a bill requiring the 10 Commandments to be placed in public school classrooms.   And, Alabama voters will consider a constitutional amendment to require the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each school day and to allow students to initiate and lead prayer.

Recently, motivational speaker Chris Widener shared about an event on May 3 originating from Jacksonville, Florida called "Revival 250," to call upon God for revival.  Speakers include Tony Evans, Raleigh Washington, Jonathan Cahn, Troy Miller, and other high-profile speakers.

Then, on May 7, the National Day of Prayer will be observed across America, with a variety of special activities planned, including the Montgomery Prayer Breakfast and the state National Day of Prayer observances at the State Capitol.  You can check our National Day of Prayer calendar at FaithRadio.org under the Events tab; you can also find it at our app.

And, with this year being the 250th anniversary year of our nation, there is an event on the National Mall in Washington on May 17 that is called, "Rededication 250."  Its website says:

Join with neighbors and friends from every state in the Union in giving thanks and praise to God for 250 years of His Providence for the United States, in praying that God Bless and Protect America for the next 250 years, and in solemnly rededicating our country as One Nation under God. In speech, song, and storytelling, we will bear witness to the extraordinary story of how God has powerfully and wondrously shaped the United States of America—remembering the people, sacrifices, and defining moments in which God has powerfully manifested Himself in our history.

Sean Feucht will lead a worship gathering on the Mall the night before that special event as part of his "Roots of Revival" tour.

And, that's just in May.

So, what's going on?!?  Perhaps, as a nation, people are waking up - not only recapturing a sense of our history and God's hand on our land, but also recognizing our need for God. In challenging times nationally and worldwide, we need the presence of Almighty God.

Remembering can bring revival, and revival can produce rejoicing.  The Lord desires to bring people to Himself, to bring those who have dedicated their lives to Christ closer to Him and to call others to follow Him, to make Jesus the Lord of their lives.  

But, we must not forget what God has done, not only for our nation historically, but for His Church, which is his appointed entity to represent Him in the earth.  And, we can also consider what God has done in our lives individually.   The enemy desires for us to forget - we must strive to remember and, if necessary, to recapture a sense of what God has done and desires to do in and through us.

The observance of Easter and the events surrounding it give Christians an opportunity to not only reflect on what our Savior experienced for us, but to share it with the world. Realizing we possess the power of the Holy Spirit, we can depend on the Lord to display His glory and truth to His people as we testify to His greatness and love.  In Psalm 40 (ESV), we can read these words:
7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come;
    in the scroll of the book it is written of me:
8 I delight to do your will, O my God;
    your law is within my heart.”
9 I have told the glad news of deliverance
    in the great congregation;
behold, I have not restrained my lips,
    as you know, O Lord.
10 I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
    I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
    from the great congregation.

The amazing feats of the Artemis mission into space has provided a greater awareness of what lies beyond earth and the vastness of the universe that God has created.  And, the pilot of the Artemis 2 Orion capsule Victor Glover was recently asked by a news reporter to share comments relative to Easter.  Glover, a committed Christian, responded, according to Space.com:

"In all of this emptiness — this is a whole bunch of nothing, this thing we call the universe — you have this oasis, this beautiful place that we get to exist together," he said of Earth. "I think, as we go into Easter Sunday, thinking about all the cultures all around the world, whether you celebrate it or not, whether you believe in God or not, this is an opportunity for us to remember where we are, who we are, and that we are the same thing, and that we've gotta get through this together." 

The article hearkened back to a spiritual moment in 1968 during the Apollo 8 mission, noting that: "As they circled the moon on Dec. 24, 1968, the three Apollo 8 astronauts read the first 10 verses of the Book of Genesis during a live TV broadcast that reached an estimated 25% of Earth's population."

And, as WORLD Magazine reported: "American astronaut Victor Glover on Monday evening spoke of Jesus’ love in a message broadcast to Earth just before the Orion spacecraft passed behind the moon. While the astronauts were working to unlock the mysteries of the cosmos, one of the greatest mysteries on Earth was love, he said. Jesus said that the greatest command was to love God, and the second was to love your neighbor as yourself, Glover said."

The Easter message and his declaration on Monday night were not just one-offs, but indicative of a pattern of Glover sharing his faith in Christ in the midst of his work with NASA.  

In tribute to the Artemis mission, I've posted a short video online of comments by NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore, who spoke with me recently about his love for the Lord and his trust in Him during a challenging space mission.

The impact of the Scriptures being shared from space can certainly help us to think about the One who created it all.  As former ABC News Science editor Michael Guillen related in a conversation recently centered around the release of his film, The Invisible Everywhere, there is much that is invisible to us that actually speaks to the reality of God. And, as Guillen shared, "believing is seeing."

So, we can learn so much through space exploration, unlocking the secrets of science and pondering the greatness of the God who has made it all.  And, we can regard science as the study of what God has created.  When we think about the nature of and beauty of creation, including its order and design, and the laws that cause it to work, we can give glory to our Lord, who holds it all together.  

And, He can hold it all together for us; Hebrews 1 states, referring to Jesus: "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power."  We can recognize the One who is bigger than ourselves and rejoice that He chose to send His Son, who gave His life so that sin might be conquered and death might be overcome, granting us new life in Him for eternity.

God is intent on getting His message out - He has provided His Word for us, and Bibles are available in many nations of the world: legally in many places, illegally in others.  He uses His people to speak to others about Jesus.  And, throughout our nation, Christian radio is a powerful force and available to an overwhelming majority of Americans.  Psalm 67 states:
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
    and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
2 that your way may be known on earth,
    your saving power among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you!

National Religious Broadcasters recently issued a report based on a new Pew Research study called, Religious Radio Across America.   Among the main talking points are these amazing statistical findings, according to NRB's report:

Roughly 25% of all AM and FM radio stations in the country are dedicated to religious content, a figure that underscores the enduring presence of spiritual broadcasting even as media consumption habits continue to evolve.

Equally significant is the medium’s accessibility. Nearly 98 percent of adults in the United States live within range of at least one religious radio station. This near-universal reach positions religious radio as one of the most accessible forms of faith engagement available today, rivaling even digital platforms in its ability to connect with audiences across geographic, economic, and demographic lines.

The Pew study also notes: "About half of U.S. adults (45%) say they ever listen to religious audio programming – such as music, sermons, talk shows or audio dramas – either via radio or online. Most listeners say they tune in because they find the content spiritually uplifting, relaxing or able to provide guidance for daily life. Fewer point to keeping up with news and current events as a major reason for listening."  And, as the study notes, almost two-thirds of "religious" stations are "Christian" in nature.

And, in a trend that Faith Radio and many broadcasters address, as NRB relates, "Younger audiences engaging with religious content are more likely to turn to streaming platforms and podcasts rather than traditional AM/FM radio, signaling a broader evolution in how faith-based programming is consumed. This reinforces the growing importance of a hybrid approach, one that integrates over-the-air broadcasting with digital distribution.

NRB says that the Pew study "...makes clear that religious broadcasting is well positioned to thrive, especially as it embraces new ways to reach audiences however they listen."

It is gratifying to know that Christian radio, and by extension, Christian programming online, reach a significant percentage of the population.  And, as I'll talk about new week, radio reaches well over 9 out of 10 American adults.

So, God has opened amazing doors through which His message can be shared.  And, by offering on-air and online programming, Faith Radio is well-positioned to reach people in multiple age groups in a variety of ways.  We recently celebrated our 42nd anniversary, and five years after we signed on, our Montgomery facility increased its power to 100,000 watts - the maximum allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.  We replaced our original transmitter 15 years later.  Now, that transmitter is in need of replacement, along with the antenna that sends our programming out from our tower, and the feed line that gets the audio signal to that antenna.  

It's a valuable and massive undertaking that, upon completion, will position us to reach a new generation with quality, Christ-centered programming.  Please prayerfully consider participating in our campaign to raise funds for that effort. Just press the red "Reach the Next Generation" button on our website or app to learn more.  

We are grateful for the listeners to Faith Radio who are dedicated to growing in their walk with the Lord, and remember God's faithfulness to allow His truth to be shared through our various facilities.  We also recognize that we are all called to share God's truth and what He has done in our lives through our relationship with Christ.  Human activity, including the human voice, are key ways in which God communicates His message throughout the world.

As people dedicated to Christ, following Him in whatever role He calls us, we can reflect His very presence.  That includes that call to be husbands and wives, mothers and fathers - the Holy Spirit is available to empower us to demonstrate God's strength and guidance and provide strong examples for our families.  Deuteronomy 6 (ESV) states:
4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.
7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

The National Fatherhood Initiative has released this startling statistic, based on 2025 U.S. Census data: "18.2 million children, 1 in 4, live without a biological, step, or adoptive father in the home.*  That organization's website says, "Research shows that a father's absence affects children in numerous unfortunate ways, while a father's presence makes a positive difference in the lives of both children and mothers."

In attempting to strengthen fathers and the institution of fatherhood, incorporating Christian principles, Mark Merrill and the organization Family First launched All Pro Dad.  A recent Spectrum News article quoted him as saying: "For decades, we have worked alongside fathers in communities across the country, and we’ve seen firsthand the difference encouragement and support can make,” adding, “Through All Pro Dad, our mission is for every child to know and experience the love of a dad. We’re honored to partner with Ohio to expand this work and help more fathers win the everyday moments that matter most.”

The Ohio Department of Children and Youth has partnered with All Pro Dad "in order to connect Ohio fathers with resources, encouragement and connections to help them stay engaged in their children’s lives."

Just weeks ago, according to the article, "...a statewide media campaign, 'Win the Everyday' launched on social media, digital platforms, connected TV and on signage through DCY and Family First to support the initiative."  The All Pro Dad School Chapter Program and the All Pro Dad Experience will be implemented throughout the state.  

And, a high-profile former coach and sports broadcaster has become the face of All Pro Dad.  Tony Dungy co-founder of the organization, at a press conference announcing the launch of the initiative, stated: "Fatherhood isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being present,” adding, “Some of the most important lessons a child will ever learn come from watching their father show up, encourage them, and lead by example. This partnership sends a powerful message to fathers across the state: you matter, your role matters, and All Pro Dad is here to help.”

So much respect has been shown for Coach Dungy throughout the years - he has become known as a reliable voice on behalf of the Christian faith and the pro-life cause.  Since departing from coaching, he has been part of the Sunday Night Football broadcast team on NBC.

But, no more.  And, in responding to his dismissal, he showed characteristic grace.  He posted on X:

It’s disappointing  news but I want to thank my NBC family for making the last 17 years so special.  I’ll have lasting memories of my time there, especially with Rodney Harrison who has become a tremendous friend.  

God has always directed me in these moments and while I’m not sure what the next step will be for me—whether it will be in football, in broadcasting, or getting more involved in church and community outreach —I know God has plans for my life and I can’t wait see them unfold. And I am reminded of one of my favorite verses in the Bible-Romans 8:28. “God works all things for His good for those who love the Lord.”

Whatever the coach does, I am confident he will continue to shine the light of Christ - and he's already showing that through his work with fathers.  It reminds us of the tremendous role and opportunity that God has in store for fathers to be godly examples to their families, churches, and communities.  

We can also think about how each of us can be instruments of God's grace.  When let go by NBC, Dungy did not lash out, he didn't criticize his former employer.  He submitted himself to God's plans.  And, that's a great example how we can view change, as an opportunity that the Lord has afforded to us so that Christ might be glorified in and through us.  Coach Dungy talked about leading by example, and that's something good to keep in mind as we respond to life's challenges. 

We recognize that our Savior suffered and died so that in Him we can be set free from the power of sin and death.  Because of sin, we deserved to die, but because Jesus was the perfect substitute for us, He took our punishment on the cross and was victorious because death could not hold Him.  But, the Bible tells us we are not exempt from suffering.  1st Peter 4 says this:
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

On Good Friday, I was thinking about what it meant to share in the sufferings of Christ.  That certainly doesn't mean that I would have to die for my own sins, because Jesus did that. But, all around the world, people are suffering and dying because they are Christ-followers. We live in a fallen world, so we are not exempt from suffering - the Bible even tells us that God produces the fruit of patience through our suffering.  

While we may not suffer unto death, certainly there are consequences of sin for which we suffer, even though there may be forgiveness.  There are also manifestations of the enemy - spiritual attacks - in which we suffer.  Christ did not redeem us from suffering, but He suffered so that we might be redeemed.  And, that we may have hope.

I have great admiration for the former governor of the state of Arkansas, who is now our Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee.  He spoke at Faith Radio's 25th Anniversary celebration back in 2009.  By extension, I admire the current governor of Arkansas, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who once served as press secretary in the White House.  She, too, is an outspoken Christian whom I believe lives out her faith in Christ.

Last Christmas, she issued a proclamation giving Arkansas state workers a day off on December 26, the day after Christmas.  She received pushback for it.  On Facebook, she declared, "I will not apologize for or retract my Christmas proclamation giving state workers an extra day off.  Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our savior Jesus Christ, and if we are to honor Him properly, we should tell His miraculous, world-changing story properly, too."

David Brody of CBN News penned a story about Sanders relating to her 2020 release of the book, Speaking for Myself.  The article states, quoting the now-governor:

Sanders also had to fight, specifically to defend her reputation against liberals who couldn't stand her. "Their whole mantra is all about tolerance as long as you agree with them," Sanders told CBN News. "And because I didn't agree with them on policy, and I was a supporter and a very vocal supporter of the president, I was fair game and everything about me was fair game, everything from my appearance, my weight, my makeup, my fitness to be a parent."  However, Sanders knew who to really listen to. "I wasn't looking for anybody else to define me. I knew who I was. I knew that God had created me for a purpose and that gave me the confidence I needed to go in and face every day."

So, you might say that Sanders desires to live out her faith in the Lord.  And, it has affected dining experiences.  You may remember an incident in 2018, in which she and her family were asked to leave a Virginia restaurant - why?  Because of her working in the White House.  You might even say that she drew hostility because of who she was.  I don't think it was too much of a stretch to say her faith played a role in that.   The Daily Wire recalled that incident when it reported on a more recent occurrence just weeks ago, reporting:

Hours after The Daily Wire revealed the details of the incident at The Croissanterie in Little Rock, in which Sanders was asked to leave after having lunch with two mom friends, and was both shouted at and flipped off as she departed, the restaurant told local press that it had nothing to do with her conservative politics.

“After the party completed their meal, a member of the security detail was quietly asked to help conclude the visit in line with our standard 90-minute table policy,” the restaurant told KARK. “The request was not immediately received, and the party remained for an additional period before departing without incident once communication was established.”

Restaurant employees didn’t seem to get the memo. In a widely circulated Facebook post that was taken as a statement from restaurant staff, an employee called the governor “evil” and made it very clear that Sanders’ politics made the governor’s visit controversial.

Todd Starnes quoted the governor as saying, “Arkansans are known for their warm hospitality, and while that restaurant certainly doesn’t meet that standard, my administration will continue to focus on lifting Arkansans up, not tearing others down with discrimination and hate..."  Starnes also quipped, "And might I suggest that Gov. Sanders consider dining at a restaurant that serves biscuits, rather than croissants?"

She was called "evil" by restaurant patrons.  She has been subjected to ridicule from those who disagree with her.  That's not only bad manners, but it's not the way of Christ.  We decry political violence, certainly, but we can also be careful about not only the words we speak, but the way they are spoken.  

We will face hostility because of our belief in Christ - that's part of the territory.  The enemy wants to destroy us and there are many who want to silence us.  But, as our Savior taught us in John 16, we will have tribulation, but we can be cheerful because He has overcome the world.

Sharing in the sufferings of Christ?  Being called evil?  We are not exempt.   Most of us don't face suffering unto death, but many do.  We may face ridicule because He did and He lives in us.  But, we can respond with confidence in and dependence on the Lord, and we can be joyful and even compassionate when there are those that display hostility toward us because of Him.

Kaley Chiles is a counselor in Colorado, a believer in Christ who desires to offer Biblically-based counsel.  As Alliance Defending Freedom stated last year:

Many of Chiles’ clients come to her because they share her Christian faith. These clients believe their lives will be more fulfilling if they grow comfortable with their bodies rather than pursuing a path of harmful drugs or surgeries. Yet Colorado law censors Chiles from speaking words her clients want to hear and insists that counselors can only help young people by encouraging them to identify inconsistent with their sex. After Chiles filed a lawsuit challenging the law and a divided panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit ruled against her, ADF attorneys asked the nation’s high court to hear the case, which it agreed to do.

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court overwhelmingly ruled in Chiles' favor - by an 8-1 margin.  ADF summarized following the ruling: "...the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that counseling conversations are speech and that states cannot silence viewpoints in the counseling room."  The court, in its majority opinion, said that Colorado's law "...censors speech based on viewpoint. Colorado may regard its policy as essential to public health and safety. Certainly, censorious governments throughout history have believed the same. But the First Amendment stands as a shield against any effort to enforce orthodoxy in thought or speech in this country. It reflects instead a judgment that every American possesses an inalienable right to think and speak freely, and a faith in the free marketplace of ideas as the best means for discovering truth. However well-intentioned, any law that suppresses speech based on viewpoint represents an ‘egregious’ assault on both of those commitments.” 

I've been following this unfortunate case out of Ohio, in which a local church, Dad's Place in the city of Bryan, desiring to minister to the homeless in its community, found itself on the opposite side of city officials and its pastor was arrested.  First Liberty noted: "For almost three years, the City of Bryan, Ohio has been attempting to shut down the Church’s ministry through multiple criminal and civil proceeding, including 18 criminal zoning charges, middle-of-the-night fire inspections, and both criminal and civil fire code prosecutions.  And while city officials demand the church install an expensive fire suppression system, the city does not require any of its motels, most of its apartment complexes, and even a senior living facility to install fire suppression systems in their buildings."

First Liberty announced: "Judge James D. Bates of the Court of Common Pleas of Williams County issued a final order dismissing with prejudice a lawsuit brought by city officials in Bryan, Ohio, seeking to shut down the religious activities of Dad’s Place and Pastor Chris Avell.  The decision allows Dad’s Place, a Bryan, Ohio church, to continue operating its temporary shelter ministry free from interference by the city. "

It his ruling, the judge wrote: "...the Court concedes that the Fire Chief’s enforcement of the fire code fails because it lacks a compelling interest and isn’t the least restrictive means of enforcing fire safety. The City has given waivers to other businesses like hotels, but has refused to give the church a similar accommodation. This is fatal under strict scrutiny. Therefore, a judgment in favor of Dad’s Place must be entered.”

Jaden Ivey was once a player with the Chicago Bulls of the NBA, but no more.  He had made a dramatic profession of faith in Jesus Christ and decided to comment on the team's embrace of LGBTQ ideology, writing, according to Todd Starnes: 

“The world can proclaim LGBTQ, right?” Ivey told viewers via livestream on Monday morning. “They proclaim Pride Month. And the NBA, they proclaim it. They show it to the world. They say, ‘Come join us for Pride Month, to celebrate unrighteousness.’ They proclaim it on the billboards. They proclaim it in the streets. Unrighteousness.”

Starnes reported that Ivey no longer has a job because of "conduct detrimental to the team."  This decision has reverberated throughout the sports world, with a number of players showing support for the now-waived player.

Isaac Beck of the Changed Movement, writing for The Christian Post, stated:

The league marches in New York City pride parades, adorns arenas with rainbow logos, hosts Pride Nights, and promotes institutional affirmation of LGBT lifestyles. These initiatives are not private opinions. They are top-to-bottom corporate campaigns designed to weave ever so blatantly into the very fabric of the game.
Yet when a young player like Jaden Ivey uses his own personal social platform to confess biblical truth and dissent from league orthodoxy, the response was immediate termination. The double standard could not be clearer. The NBA welcomes, amplifies and institutionalizes certain ideological messages while treating traditional Christian convictions as toxic and potentially career-ending. One can give God a blanket thanksgiving at a post-game press conference, but if you reference personal transformation or a reality check on sin, pack your bags.

He took Bulls' coach Billy Donovan to task, saying, "Donovan expressed concern that the young man might be struggling mentally."  Beck wrote: "...publicly confessing biblical truth on social media is now being framed as a potential sign of mental instability. When a Christian athlete shares from his faith, the league’s response is not honest disagreement but an insinuation that something must be wrong with his mind."

It's called March Madness for a reason - players performing at their highest level, clutch plays, buzzer-beaters, and an expectation of the unexpected.  Our lives can seem like sea of madness, with chaos, pressure, challenges, and daily decisions to make, but in the midst of madness, we can abide in the peace that passes all understanding, that comes from the Lord.  Philippians 4 (ESV) shows us how we can keep our equilibrium:
5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Tarris Reed is someone who keeps his focus on Christ; he plays for the UConn Huskies.  A Sports Spectrum article notes that while Reed didn't make the dramatic game-winning shot, he was a major force for keeping his team in the regional final game against Duke in the second half.  The article relates:

“I’m filled with gratitude just looking around, just so thankful for it all,” he said on Sports Spectrum’s “What’s Up” podcast in January. “It’s crazy how I’m at my last year, going into my last semester, and now I’m realizing, ‘Wow, look at the Lord. Look what the Lord has blessed me with.’ I wish I could have known this in my freshman year. … Be grateful for it, man, because this is it for me.”

Reed said on the podcast that his college experience was defined just as much by his spiritual growth as his growth on the court. Once challenged to read about the life of Jesus in the Bible, Reed now reads Scripture as part of his daily morning routine.

“Jesus just wiped my eyes clean,” Reed said on the podcast. “I got to see the world through a whole new lens. That’s really where my journey began. That’s where the seed — my whole life — just grew and it started to blossom from there.”

Tonight, Reed gets to square off against a team for which he once played, the Michigan Wolverines - while at Michigan, according to Sports Spectrum, "a coach challenged him to read about the life of Jesus in the Bible."  He said, “It changed my life,” adding, “The way I walk, talk, act, speak — Jesus has literally changed me from the inside out. I love talking about the Lord and what He’s done for my life, so I can go out and help others.”

Ben Humrichous from another Final Four participant, the Illinois Fighting Illini, was the subject of a recent Sports Spectrum article, as well, which said:

“I give God all the glory,” he told WCIA in Champaign last weekend. “Finding a ton of freedom in the way that I’m playing again. It’s just fun, and I love that I get to do it with the guys that I get to do it with. So, I gotta give God glory for the gift that this is, and I just want to keep it going.”

Humrichous frequently mentions his faith publicly, such as in postgame interviews and on Instagram. He even had the opportunity to speak at a church in nearby Danville, Illinois, in February 2025. He is also very involved with the University of Illinois chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

He is also quoted from an interview with WEHT in Evansville: “My faith is No. 1. That’s what’s most important. That’s what’s going to drive everything in my life. It’s why I can play the game of basketball and just have fun. Because of Jesus, I’m set free from performance and expectation and failures.”

During the tournament, there have been some compelling faith stories that have emerged. For example, consider High Point's Chase Johnston, who made the game-winner in his team's upset of Wisconsin.  CBN.com reported:

"It felt great! First and foremost, I just want to give all the glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, it's been an unbelievable season. This is a group of guys that's built on John 15:13. We serve each other, we love each other, and we'd die for each other," he said, pointing to the team's true source of unity.

John 15:13 says, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

The Daily Citizen reports that Chase wears the #99 to refer to the Parable of the Lost Sheep, and how the Good Shepherd would leave the 99 sheep safely in the fold to run out looking after a single lost sheep.

And several sources report he had Acts 20:24 written on his shoes. It states, "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace."

And, I have to give props to Rick Barnes, who has coached Tennessee to three straight Elite Eight appearances.  Outkick reported that, "After Friday’s win, Tennessee players and coaches gathered in the locker room, took a knee, and recited the Lord’s Prayer — a reflection of the culture Barnes and his players have built that takes place before and after each game."

The article goes on to say:

Freshman Nate Ament, who has been on campus for less than a year, has already felt that lasting impact.

"If I can add real fast, especially doing it before the game and after the game, just to know that good performance, bad performance, win or loss, Jesus is always there for you," Ament explained. "Your worth isn't in how you play as a basketball player, but it's what Christ has done for you. You're a child of his.

"If we all understand that, it kind of allows us to play with more confidence and play for something that isn't a win or a loss, but to play so we can glorify him."

The article also notes, "...at Tennessee, players say Barnes’ authenticity — especially in his faith — is a major reason they commit to the program."  Ament said, "Specifically for me, it's one of the reasons I chose Tennessee because of Coach Barnes and his faith," adding, "It trickles throughout the whole coaching staff."

Rick Barnes is quoted as saying, "I wish, at their age, I would've gone deeper in my relationship with Jesus Christ...That's one of the reasons why, when I came to Tennessee eleven years ago, we started this thing called ‘Power Talk’, and we have for eleven years. It's a gospel message we have before our pregame meals. It's the most important thing."

I have talked regularly about the way that God will use sports, and those who play them, to bring glory to Him.  So many of these athletes have an outstanding platform through which they can share the message of what God has done and is doing in their lives.  And, that can be inspiration to us to testify to the Lord's love and greatness wherever He places us. 

The apostle Paul used sports analogies to reinforce principles of the Christian faith.  Such concepts as preparation and persistence can be found as we read the Scriptures.  We can certainly approach the Christian life in a similar way, being devoted to God and growing in His strength.

Today is what is known as Maundy Thursday, a day that contains so many compelling images of the final hours of the earthly life of Jesus - from the Last Supper He shared with His disciples to the dramatic scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, then the arrest of Jesus to stand trial before the religious leaders and the governmental officials. We see a clash of spiritual forces, a conflict of authorities, and the culmination of God's redemptive plan through the cross.   Picking up in verse 42 of Matthew 26 (ESV), we find these words:
42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.”
43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.
44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again.
45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

This is an important and life-transforming narrative.  The cross stands as a central focus of our faith.  Yet, fewer Americans, according to a new Gallup survey, place a priority on the practice of faith.  A CBN report notes:

Newly published data from Gallup found that, in 2025, the share of U.S. adults who identified as “nones” — those with no religious affiliation at all — reached a record high of 24%, up from 21% and 22% the previous four years. Additionally, 28% said religion is “not very important” in their lives.

And, the study found: "less than half (47%) of American adults say religion is 'very important' to their lives, while another 25% described it as 'fairly important' to them."  The article states that, "Only six demographic groups remain highly religious today, with more than 50% saying religion is “very important” to them."  One of those groups: "Protestant or nondenominational Christians..."

Megan Brenan, a senior editor at Gallup, provides this analysis: "While religion remains deeply important to major segments of the population … the long-term trajectory shows a steady decline driven largely by generational replacement,” adding, “Younger adults are both less likely to identify with a religion and less likely to attend services, reshaping the nation’s religious landscape as they constitute a growing share of the population.”

Writer of the CBN article, Tre Goins-Phillips, notes: "The shift comes as a greater number of Americans are abandoning organized religion for syncretism, an amalgamation of different religious ideas and philosophies."  He uses Jude 4 as a verse describing what is occurring in our culture today - the New Living Translation says, “I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ..."

We are in the midst of this season called Holy Week, which features incredible mileposts of the final days and hours of our Savior's earthly life, leading up to and including His death on a cross, followed by His resurrection from the dead.  He is alive and alive in the hearts of the people who have called upon His name and are saved.

Thankfully, the redemption plan is very, very important to God, and we have to be diligent to adopt and maintain that attitude.  The Bible, in the Parable of the Sower in Mark 4, describes those factors that can lead to the Word of God not bearing fruit in our lives. One of those is "the cares of the world."  1st John 2 says: "For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world."  We must reject an unhealthy affinity for the things of this world and press on and press into Jesus, the One who loved us so much that He was willing to endure the pain, the shame, the brutality, the rejection, and even death so that we might have eternal life.

The suspense was building as what is now called Holy Week progressed in Jerusalem during the final days of the earthly ministry of Jesus.  The Passover was approaching and the perfect sacrificial lamb, the Savior of the world, was about to be brutally beaten and crucified.  The object of hostility and scorn, Jesus was facing the ultimate act of love.  The Bible tells us in Matthew 26 (ESV):
1 When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples,
2 “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”
3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas,
4 and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him.
5 But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”

But, as we can read later in the chapter, Judas accelerated the timetable and Jesus was indeed crucified during the feast, according to God's perfect plan.

While Jesus was the recipient of the ultimate hostility, there is still hostility toward His followers all around the world.  Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs Radio, heard Saturday mornings on Faith Radio, has released a statement, saying, "...as American Christians gather to celebrate the empty tomb this Resurrection Sunday, we must not forget those who are echoing Christ’s 'living sacrifice' by risking their own lives in restricted nations and hostile areas. For these brothers and sisters around the world, Easter is often a season of peril. Holy days on the Christian calendar, including Christmas and Easter, are often times when those who hate the Gospel target our brothers and sisters in violent attacks."   He called for prayer for "the protection and courage of those celebrating in danger and in secret, in underground churches and prison cells. Let’s stand in prayer with persecuted Christians this Easter season."

Even in some circles of the American government, there have been reports of religious persecution.  The Christian Post noted recently a memo from 2023 calling out a group of Catholics and stated the "FBI’s Richmond Field Office faced criticism for circulating a memo putting 'radical traditionalist Catholics' in the same category as racially and ethnically motivated domestic extremists during the Biden administration."   The FBI later withdrew the memo.  

This recent article said:

The Central Intelligence Agency retracted a Biden-era internal document warning about female “racially and ethnically motivated violent extremists" that listed the prioritization of “motherhood and homemaking," raising the concern of a conservative legal group.

The Christian Post noted, "The document, titled 'Women Advancing White Racially and Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremists,' outlines concerns about women’s participation in 'white racially and ethnically motivated violent extremism.'”  This was apparently crafted in 2021, and the article says: "While the document primarily focused on groups and individuals explicitly focused on race, it also suggested that support for traditional gender roles may constitute extremism."  It reportedly included a description of one group that "has lauded motherhood and homemaking as women’s most important responsibility.”  There were 19 different intelligence reports that were recently withdrawn by the CIA due to bias.  Director John Radcliffe stated, "The intelligence products we released to the American people today — produced before my tenure as DCIA — fall short of the high standards of impartiality that CIA must uphold and do not reflect the expertise for which our analysts are renowned..."

The America First Legal Center has cried foul, relating that, "Motherhood and homemaking may be added to the list of other everyday behaviors that made everyday Americans ‘radicalization suspects’ under the Biden administration.”

The Daily Signal related cultural trends that were occurring around the time of the report:

This memo came as a growing movement of parents protested at school board meetings, demanding that schools reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic, that schools relax requirements for children to wear face masks, and that schools cease promoting transgender ideology and racially divisive policies.

On Sept. 29, the National School Boards Association sent a letter to then-President Joe Biden, comparing these concerned parents to domestic terrorists. Then-Attorney General Merrick Garland responded with an Oct. 4 memo to the FBI, U.S. attorneys, and the Justice Department’s criminal division to craft “strategies for addressing threats against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff.” The NSBA later rescinded the letter and apologized amid pushback.

At the time, Christian parents were among those who were decrying what was occurring in schools - and continue to be vocal today when unbiblical ideas that conflict with their faith are discovered in school settings.  While not all of the targeted women would be considered "Christian" or even "Christian-adjacent," it does present a troubling scenario when you find that people that may hold to Christian ideals are being targeted by government agencies - in America.

In the time of Jesus, the progressive religious leaders, who claimed to hold to faith traditions while denying the teachings of Jesus and oppressing those under their authority, who were called hypocrites by our Lord, partnered with political leaders to craft a means to arrest, try, and ultimately kill Jesus.  He suffered and died, certainly, but He did it according to the redemptive plan of God.  His followers still face hostility and persecution today.  But, as the Bible says in 1st Peter chapter 4 (ESV):
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory[a] and of God rests upon you.

We can reflect on humbling ourselves before our Savior, who humbled Himself to death on a cross, so that He might pay the penalty for our sins and be raised to new life.  If we die to ourselves and identify with His sacrifice, we can experience His new life and walk in hope, even when there may be opposition to the practice of our faith.

At the heart of the Easter message is that we can be transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of life - through Scripture, we recognize that we can become new creations in Him.  The Bible says that while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us. The Church should be effectively communicating life transformation and proclaiming how that has become a reality for those who are called children of God through Jesus.  Colossians chapter 1 (ESV) says:
13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Romans 5:8 says: "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

A young lady, a wife, a mother of three, has been sharing her testimony for years - hers is s story in which she, by her own admission, sinned greatly - she lived an immoral lifestyle. But, Jesus has transformed her.  And, her husband celebrates that change with her, rejoicing in what God has done.  He posted about it on X, and it rapidly reached 20 million, 30 million views, and more.  But, not all were enthused about what Trevor Sheatz had to say about his wife, Ashley, and what God had done in their relationship.  He wrote:

My wife was formerly promiscuous. I was a virgin.

She was then radically born-again. Committed to church, evangelized constantly, Puritan books in her bedroom, prayer journals, grief over past sexual sin, etc.

We got to know each other well for over a year, dated for four months, engaged for two and a half, and didn't sin sexually with one another. Our first kiss with each other was at the altar on our wedding day (reaction pic attached!).

We've been married for over five years now, and she's been the most wonderful and godly wife, mother to our three children, and homemaker you could imagine.

Well-known Christian writer Bethel McGrew, on her Substack page, provided some context:

He was replying to an ongoing discourse about whether formerly promiscuous women are “damaged goods” to be permanently avoided by Christian men. Something about the post unlocked the secret to Twitter virality. Who knows why anything goes viral, but maybe it was the “hook” that he contrasted his wife’s former promiscuity with his virginity, to the end of offering hope that God can make this kind of union fruitful.

But, as she pointed out, it did go viral and elicited some inappropriate comments from a trio of Daily Wire commentators; McGrew writes: "Ben Shapiro, Michael Knowles, and Andrew Klavan took turns mocking the post. All speak as if the man sprang this on his wife out of the blue, apparently lacking basic facts Grok could have handed them with one prompt."

After a lengthy analysis about some of the issues that this topic may have raised, McGrew writes, "In summary: Jesus saves. Trevor and Ashley didn’t do anything wrong. Trolls are gonna troll, grifters are gonna grift. But also, these things are complicated. It’s important to be able to discuss complicated things normally."  But she adds: "However, this requires people to be normal first. That seems to have been a challenge for a lot of people this week, but the option is still available."

Owen Strachan, who is known as a writer and theologian who has served with the Family Research Council and James Dobson Family Institute.  On X, he stated, in response to the Daily Wire triad: "Ashley Sheatz has shared her conversion testimony for years."   He went on to say, in comments directed at that Daily Wire trio:

Of her own volition, Ashley shared about her deliverance from promiscuity, the occult, and doing hard drugs. These things wrecked and ruined her life. Again, Ashley was clear as crystal about her sexual sin, and said more about it in the 2020 article she wrote than Trevor did in the X post you tore to shreds on air. She has publicly talked about her deliverance from sexual sin on numerous occasions. (Nor did Trevor call his wife derogatory words--it's really disappointing that you all collectively presented him as doing so.)

Ashley does all this--from what I know--not to be salacious or get clicks. (Nor does Trevor.) She does so to warn others about the destructiveness of sin, and even more than this, the redeeming power of the blood of Jesus. Ashley, with her husband Trevor, is a born again believer. I won't speak for her, but as a friend of her and Trevor, I know that she lives to magnify the mercy of God in her life.

Ray Comfort and Allie Beth Stuckey also interviewed the couple following the dust-up, giving them the opportunity to share their heart with their audiences.  

Certainly, there are some who believe that Ashley and Trevor might be guilty of oversharing, especially about her past; that perhaps Trevor should have left it to his wife to reveal her indiscretions.  Fact is, she's actually been doing that - and Trevor is essentially telling his wife's redemption story to celebrate what God has done.  

I think that the Church has to avoid shying away or shrinking back from boldly proclaiming what God has done in the lives of its members.  And, we should never be intimidated or shamed from sharing our testimony - what Jesus has delivered us from, as well as what He has delivered us into.  That's the pattern of the apostle Paul.  So, this week, as we reflect on the dying Savior and the risen Lord, we can allow Him to speak and display His love through us.  

And, we should never identity with or accommodate our sin - in a spirit of compromise, some churches have glorified lawlessness by not fully talking about the power to overcome sin.  But, when sin has been overcome and lawlessness has been repented of, then that is a cause for celebration.  We are a victorious people, bought by the blood of the Lamb, our Savior who gave His life as a sacrifice so that sin could be defeated and we could be raised to new life.

We are encouraged to do all that we do for the glory of God - whether it's our individual well-being, our life at home, at church, in the workplace, or in the community, we can be challenged to be excellent representatives of the Christ within us, a manifestation of the risen Savior.  And, for those participating in sports or the arts, a person should attempt to perform at his or her highest level.  Colossians 3 (ESV) states:
22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.
23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Going into the 2026 Winter Olympics, U.S. bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor already had an impressive resume: 3 silver and 2 bronze medals.  But, as The Daily Citizen reported, she won Olympic gold in Italy, and in so doing, became the oldest American woman to win a medal, at the age of 41, in the Women's Monobob competition.

She is a testimony to endurance and reliance on God's strength.  In addition to performing as an athlete, she is wife to Nic and mother to Nico and Noah.  The article related that both boys are deaf, and that Nico has Down syndrome.  The article related:

“Parenting my two sons with disabilities has done everything for me,” she told NBC. “It’s given me patience, it’s given me the drive to keep going, and it’s made me realize that even my worst days on bobsled are better than the worst days as a parent.”

“They mean everything to me, and at the end of the day, if I win medals or lose medals, it doesn’t matter, because I’m still mom to them. I still get to go home and get cuddles.”

And as she experienced difficulties in college and was getting incorporated into Team USA, she began attending Bible studies.  Nic also attended, and the two of them were baptized before getting married.  The Daily Citizen article says:

At the time of their conversion, Elana reflected, “We know God is using our time here for a purpose. It’s exciting to be able to go through this and think about what stories we’ll share with our (future) kids later, and what will come of all of this …There’s a reason that God has for each of us in the sport. It’s all about serving His purpose.”

We’re not always afforded the luxury of knowing why the Lord does what he does, but we’re sometimes given a hint or glimpse. Elana alluded to that a few years ago when she reflected, “Winning is great and hopefully it gives me a platform to spread His love and spread His Word.”

Meanwhile, Olympic gold medalist Joy Dunne gave God the glory after the U.S. women's hockey team defeated Canada.  A Yahoo! Sports piece said that, "Dunne is soaking in this gold medal. And had this to say to her hometown: 'Thank you so much, I thank the Lord the most for everything and all of you guys, but God is good and this is awesome...'"

And, there's been some coverage of a Polish ski jumper who won three medals.  After winning the first two, at a special service, he placed them on the altar, according to a CBN story about Kacper Tomasiak.  That's a powerful visual of recognizing where the glory should go for our achievements.

You don't have to look very far to find expressions of faith in athletic competition.  And, as Elena Meyers Taylor reminds us, her platform is a way to spread the love and truth of the Lord.  That's a lesson we can all take to heart.  We are created for His glory, we have been given a testimony, and we can be sensitive to ways in which God desires to express His love and truth through us.

We can also make sure that we are giving Him our best.  Through our diligence and desire for excellence, we are showing our devotion and dedication to Him. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can testify to the greatness of God.  We should compete passionately and fairly, and at the end of the day, whatever the scoreboard shows, we can be confident that we have given Him our best.

In 2019, Finnish lawmaker Päivi Räsänen posted a Tweet on what was then Twitter to criticize the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland for it promotion of LGBT "pride month." The Christian Post reported that, "She questioned how the church could agree with 'shame and sin' being presented as 'a matter of pride.'"  This prompted an investigation that this leader in the nation of Finland had engaged in criminal behavior.  Then, it was discovered she had been involved in publishing a pamphlet in 2004 called, "Male and Female He Created Them: Homosexual relationships challenge the Christian concept of humanity." The article said:

At one point, the pamphlet argues that homosexuality is disordered, which the court found was an opinion that could "insult homosexuals as a group on the basis of their sexual orientation."

The court noted that "it must be taken into account that the text forming the basis for the conviction did not contain incitement to violence or comparable threat-like fomenting of hatred. The conduct is therefore not particularly serious in terms of the nature of the offense."

Convicted under Chapter 11 of the Finnish Penal Code, which deals with "agitation against a minority group," Räsänen was ordered to pay a fine of 1,800 euros ($2,080), and the court prohibited physical and digital copies of the pamphlet from being distributed following the ruling.

The article quoted Paul Coleman, Executive Director of ADF International, who characterized the decision as "an outrageous example of state censorship."  The article relates that it was "based on a law that did not exist when Räsänen's pamphlet was written," according to Coleman. 

To say the least, it was not a good week last week for Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.  WORLD Magazine reported on a case out of New Mexico, stating: "A Santa Fe jury issued a verdict on Tuesday that Meta endangered children by misleading consumers about the safety of its platforms. The parent company of Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp violated state law and prioritized profits over safety, according to the verdict. New Mexico became the first state to win a trial against a major tech company for harming kids, according to a Tuesday statement from Attorney General Raúl Torrez’s office.   Torrez had asked for the tech company to pay $2.2 billion, but the court reduced that to $375 million.

Then on Wednesday, as WORLD reported: "A jury in Los Angeles awarded a 20-year-old woman $3 million in damages, finding that YouTube and Meta’s negligence contributed to her addiction to social media and mental health problems."  The woman was known simply by her initials, KGM. The article pointed out that, "The monetary award is expected to grow because the jury found the companies acted with malice and has yet to decide on punitive damages in the case."

Lily Moric, writing at the National Center for Sexual Exploitation website, said:

In two days, we have twice seen what was previously thought impossible: social media companies being held legally accountable for the harms they cause to children. For decades, Big Tech has been able to hide behind Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act—a law that courts misinterpreted as shielding tech companies from liability for the harms their products cause.  

Now, that age of impunity may be coming to an end.  

Emily Washburn, writing for The Daily Citizen of Focus on the Family, stated:

The precedent set in KGM and New Mexico could dramatically increase future plaintiffs’ likelihood of bringing successful cases against neglectful social media companies.

KGM is the first of nine bellwether cases representing a group of more than 1,600 similar social media addiction cases filed in California state court. The jury’s decision today proves social media addiction cases can win in front of a jury.

New Mexico won its case against Meta in state court. Several other states hope to triumph against social media companies in federal court this summer.

British lawmakers have been debating the issue of assisted suicide, with members of the English Parliament in London long considering such a bill.  But, time is running out. Meanwhile, in Scotland, the Parliament there defeated a proposal, according to Courthouse News Service, which reported on March 18:

After Scotland’s Parliament voted to reject a bill that would have legalized assisted dying, similar legislation in England is stalling in Parliament.

Lawmakers at Holyrood, the name of the Scottish Parliament, defeated the proposal late Tuesday 69 to 57 after an emotional final debate that exposed deep divisions over end-of-life care and protections for vulnerable people. 

Meanwhile, in London, according to the website, an assisted suicide bill has passed one chamber, the House of Commons, but has stalled in the House of Lords, in which, according to the article, its members "...can delay and amend bills but not ultimately block them, although time constraints can effectively kill legislation."  So far over 1200 amendments have been tabled in that chamber and the article says, "Supporters say it is 'effectively impossible' for the bill to clear all stages before the deadline."

The Evangelical Focus website reported:

Right after the vote, speaking for the UK Evangelical Alliance (EAUK), the UK director Peter Lynas, “welcome the Scottish Parliament’s decision to reject assisted suicide, prioritising the protection of life and the dignity of all, especially the most vulnerable”.

The EAUK points out that “the proposed legislation was unsafe, unworkable, and risked undermining the value of those who are elderly, disabled or nearing the end of life”.

“Scotland must be a place where everyone can live with dignity and thrive. This decision should ensure renewed commitment to high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care across our health and social care systems”, they added.

Canada has had an assisted suicide law in place for almost 10 years, and the National Post recently reported:

Just as Canada approaches the 10th anniversary of legal assisted suicide, the country is on course to soon record 100,000 total deaths from Medical Assistance in Dying.

This means that in addition to now charting MAID as one of its leading causes of death, Canada will also become the first country of the modern era to measure its total euthanasia deaths in the six figures.

Popular culture has this propensity, unfortunately, to define Christianity on its own terms, and its not necessarily accurate, or even good.  And, you have those who want to redefine Jesus and, as it's been suggested, make Him into their image rather than allow Him to make them into His.  And, the rejection of the gospel, which is an incredible sense of hope, enables people to be the losers in a high-stakes spiritual grudge match.  We have to passionately hold on to the truth of Scripture.   1st Corinthians 15 (ESV) states:
1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand,
2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,
4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures...

The movie industry rewarded itself in the recent Academy Awards, which was watched on television by 9% less viewers from the previous year, and the smallest audience since 2022, according to the Hollywood Reporter website.   The two big winners were One Battle After Another, with six awards, including Best Picture and Sinners, which won four, including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan.

These two R-rated movies became competitors among voters, but the big loser, I believe, was Christianity, not based on my own watching of the films, but of comments that were posted online.

In Sinners, the main character's music, according to the Plugged In review, conjures up vampires.  And, Christianity, which is a force for good, or at least should be portrayed as such, is largely powerless against these evil forces.  And, even a fellow screenwriter took Ryan Coogler's movie to task in an article at the National Today Chicago website, which related:

...screenwriter Zena Dell Lowe criticizes the Academy Awards favorite film 'Sinners' for borrowing Christian language and imagery while systematically removing Christian truth. Lowe argues the movie, set in 1930s Mississippi, replaces biblical theology with a 'fake gospel' that celebrates sin and music over faith in God.

The piece goes on to say:

Lowe's analysis dissects how 'Sinners' borrows Christian terms like 'sin' and 'salvation' but redefines them to celebrate identity, freedom, and the power of music over traditional faith. The film portrays Christianity as fearful and controlling, while indigenous rituals and vampire mythology are presented as wise and supernatural. Lowe argues the movie's afterlife vision removes judgment and Jesus, promoting a 'heavenly vibe without doctrine'.

Joseph Holmes at Religion Unplugged writes: "In this film, Christianity is either powerless or oppressive, and pagan spirituality is powerful and affirmed."  He notes, "organized religion is better for individuals and society than disorganized spirituality," adding, "there’s no doubt that the house of worship has more power than cloves of garlic to ward off the evils that plague us. But when our movies tell us differently, that’s often hard to see."  He notes a "recent trend in Hollywood films to portray the battle between good and evil not as secularism against faith, but rather pagan spirituality versus organized religion (specifically Christianity)."

The denigration of Christianity is also seen in the Oscar-winning Best Picture, One Battle After Another.  Daniel Blackaby, writing at The Collision, states: "The film’s title perfectly encapsulates its thematic point of view—life is an endless cycle of systemic oppression and revolution. The way characters move in and out of the story, often unceremoniously, further highlights that they are merely interchangeable players in an ever-unfolding game." He states that according to a history teacher in the film, "The story of America according to One Battle After Another (or at least, to Bob Ferguson) is one of corrupting power and those willing to fight back against it."  Blackaby goes on to say:

Notably, churches are presented in a positive light, but serve primarily as forces of social activism, not for worship. In contrast, the more overtly religious organization—the Christmas Adventurers Club—is a source of bigotry and oppression. In the America of One Battle After Another, religion seems valuable only so far as it joins the battle against oppression. Christians can affirm the grim depiction of a broken world and condemn the hypocrisy of those who hijack Christianity for cultural power At the same time, they can recognize that in the absence of a transcendental God or spiritual reality, we are merely left with one battle after another in a endless cycle of hatred and evil.

The common thread that instead of the Church being portrayed as a force for good and the embodiment of the presence of God, it represents an oppressive force in the critical theory matrix dividing members of society into oppressors and the oppressed.  

That's where this Marxist ideology gets us into societal trouble - when we operate according to that framework and people are labeled and typecast, we are no longer walking according to the love of Christ, who died for all, and we view our neighbors, whom we are called to love, with suspicion.  

When we buy into this philosophy, we are left with a nihilism that is devoid of hope.  The gospel, though, is the remedy, the rescue, from a life that is influenced by cynicism and conflict rather than the grace of God.

The Bible teaches us about good stewardship, recognizing that God is our provider, and He has entrusted to us resources that, as it's been taught, ultimately belong to Him.  There are all sorts of opportunities that we have to spend our money, and we have to be responsible for those choices.  And, we must always make sure that we are generous with what He's given to us.  1st Timothy 6 says:
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain,
7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.
8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

One area in which Americans are spending more money has to do with entertainment, specifically these "apps," or "subscription services."  A little here, a little there - a monthly fee for one service, another for a sports app, maybe another for a movie app or two.  A premium channel on which you want to watch a specific show.  It all adds up.  How much?

Well, Movieguide reported recently that, "digital app costs are up 19% compared to last year."  Ow.  The article quotes Matt Schulz, described as a "chief consumer finance analyst at LendingTree."  He is quoted by CBS News as saying, "We’ve kind of gotten used to seeing notes from these subscription services saying we’re raising our costs by $1, $2, $3, which doesn’t seem like very much...But when you factor in that some people subscribe to 10 or 15 different things, a couple of dollars a month extra on all of those adds up to real money over the course of the year.”

The bottom line, according to Movieguide: "The average American pays for 4.5 services at about $84 per month or $1,008 annually."

Mike Ford, CEO of Skydeo, told CNET: "Most platforms are optimized to keep people scrolling longer, not feeling better about how they spent their time,” adding, “A subscription becomes compelling when it flips that incentive, when it helps users set boundaries, make fewer decisions and walk away feeling like the platform worked for them instead of on them."  The article points out that he said that in referencing possible subscription options for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp.  

The website, Brave Parenting, offered reviews of various Christian-oriented streaming channels at its website.  These words are contained in the preface of the article:

Bible or Faith-based streaming services do not deserve blanket permission to consume. Our research revealed that none of the platforms offers any tools to limit usage. Therefore, all of these platforms risk becoming sanitized versions of the same problem: endless entertainment.

Christian parents must be intentional, discerning, and prudently restrictive of what kind AND how much media entertainment children consume.

Following the reviews of a variety of streaming services, the article noted some overall concerns including this one: "The number one competitor for a child’s heart is the screen. (Smart technology is not neutral!) Considering that most parents (80%) are concerned about excessive screen time, it is obvious that marketing to assuage their fears and weaknesses will drive their sales. The more parents feel good about 'Christian-content screen time,' the more they’ll allow the device, which likely has more than that one app. Not to mention, the more screen time, the less life-on-life relational and discipleship time they receive."  The website also offers reviews of individual apps.

We must make wise choices with regard to entertainment - it's important not to only examine the content but, as this website notes, the length of time spent on the consumption of entertainment.  With so much concern about screens, Americans are spending more money to engage with streaming apps that provide even more opportunity.

Paul wrote in 1st Corinthians 6:12 (ESV): "'All things are lawful for me,' but not all things are helpful. 'All things are lawful for me,' but I will not be dominated by anything."  We can consider what we're allowing to dominate our time and attention.  Moderation and balance can be two important concepts, but we have to make sure that we are moderating and balancing the right things, the Biblical things, the godly things.  Thinking godly thoughts, as Philippians 4 relates.  Our choices contribute to our spiritual well-being, and we must effectively manage, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, the way we appropriate our time and resources.

While Israel continues to partner with the U.S. to advance against the menace known as Iran, around the world, antisemitism continues to be a force to be reckoned with, and not in a good way.  We have to recognize the role of Israel in the world today and in the plan of God for the earth.  His covenant with the Jewish people has not been canceled, and as stewards of His truth, we have to recognize the importance of serving a God who keeps His promises.  In Romans 11, in the New Testament, Paul underscores this enduring covenant:
2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel?
3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.”
4 But what is God's reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
5 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.

God still has a plan for the Jewish people, and it includes seeing them come into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, who has brought a New Covenant.  In the meantime, we honor God by honoring His promises, and I believe that involves honoring Israel.

Recently, in a piece published at the Harbinger's Daily website, Gary Hamrick, Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Chapel in Virginia, heard weeknights at 8:00 in Faith Radio, wrote this:

The Israeli people have been the target of hate, oppression, murder and genocide throughout history. Hitler’s attempted annihilation of the Jews during World War II took an estimated 6 million Jewish lives. Satan has been inciting nations and people to hate Israel ever since the tiny Jewish nation became the conduit for God’s redemptive plan for mankind.

Israel is central to the story of the Bible. God birthed an ethnic people group through the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to introduce the Savior to the world, whose Name is Jesus, Yeshua—a Jewish Messiah, sent on a rescue mission to save all who would receive Him.

The Bible makes it clear that this Savior—Jesus Christ—was born in Israel, died in Israel, rose from the dead in Israel, and is coming again to Israel!

Hamrick calls on the Church to reject what is called, "replacement theology," which teaches, as he puts it, "...that the church has superseded—or replaced—Israel in terms of the blessings and promises intended for the Jewish people in Scripture. This false doctrine suggests that God used Israel to bring the Messiah onto the world scene, but after the Jewish people took part in Jesus’ crucifixion, and many—though not all—denied Jesus as Messiah, God pivoted and transferred the promises and blessings intended for them onto the church."  Hamrick states: "God’s unconditional covenant—that He would establish a people and a place through whom Messiah would come for the sake of the whole world—is the basis for why we should support and bless the Jewish people while we continue to pray for their salvation."

Recently, Cornerstone Chapel hosted a panel discussion called, "The Rise of Antisemitism in Christian and Conservative Circles."  A Jewish woman named Elicia Brand Leudemann, writing for the LoudounNow website, stated:

The evening was led by Pastor Gary Hamrick, with guest speakers Rob McCoy, Bob McEwen, and Samuel Smadja. Together, they spoke with moral clarity without spectacle, conviction without cruelty, and courage without ego.

Pastor Gary’s decision to host this program was itself an act of bravery. He did so knowing the cost. Complaints, rage and even threats had already poured in. Pressure mounted. Silence would have been easier. Instead, he chose responsibility.

She relates: "The program closed with Pastor Gary reading Martin Niemöller’s First They Came. When he reached the final line—'Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.'—the room was still.  Leudemann relates: "He prayed for the Jewish people. Samuel Smadja closed with prayer in Hebrew, then English."  She adds, "I cannot adequately describe what it feels like, as a Jewish woman, to hear Hebrew prayers spoken aloud in a Christian church—not as performance, but as protection. As solidarity. As love."

Another woman, a professing Christian had written about Gary Hamrick, too.  But, was not quite so admiring.  In another Harbinger's piece, he wrote:

I am also very troubled by some comments by Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson over the past few months. As influencers with millions of followers, they are persuading people to believe some things about Israel and the Jewish people that I believe are damaging to our nation and dividing conservative circles—even dividing Christians.

This was evidenced for me by some of the slanderous emails that I’ve received, as well as the outrageous and inaccurate comments posted on our social media, about our recent service with a panel of experts, titled “The Rise of Antisemitism in Christian and Conservative Circles.”

Candace herself, two days before the service, posted my Instagram announcement on her podcast, mocking myself and our guests.

There is certainly plenty to unpack here, but first and foremost, we have to turn to a promise-keeping, covenant-keeping God - the Bible teaches that God is not through with the Jewish people and because of His love, longsuffering and reliability, He desires to see them come into a saving knowledge of Christ.  

And, Gary Hamrick draws the distinction between disagreeing with the nation of Israel and a strong dislike for Jewish people: "Simply being opposed to some policies of the Israeli government does not make you anti-Semitic any more than being opposed to some of the policies of the United States would make you unpatriotic. However, to harm Jews, to wish them harm, or to constantly blame the Jews for all the problems in the world is not only anti-semitic, it is delusional and demonic."

As Israel faces unprecedented attacks from Iran and is engaged, with the U.S., in a campaign to mute the Iranian threat, we are directed to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We should approach the current crisis with prayer, recognizing the spiritual ramifications about what is taking place in that region of the world.  And, we can call on God in faith and expectancy that He alone will be glorified.   The advance of radical Islam, embodied in the so-called Islamic Republic, Iran, is extremely dangerous, and we can pray for wisdom for American and Israeli leadership to protect the peoples of the world from this menacing presence.