Chrisians Protest after Indian Lawmaker Offers Cash for Killing Pastors

 India's Catholic bishops this week strongly condemned law enforcement for failing to prosecute a state  legislator who publicly offered up to $12,663 (1.1 million rupees) for violent attacks on Christian leaders, the Christian Post website reports today (July31, 2025).

The Catholic Bishops Conference of India expressed "deep anguish and alarm over the growing climate of hostility and violence directed against minority communities in the country" following Maharashtra  state member of Legislative Assembly (MLA)  Gopichand Padalkar's  inflammatory offer and failure of police to respond. Padalkar is amember of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In a press statement issued July 28, the bishops referenced Padalkar's June 17 speech in Sangli District, Maharashtra state, in which he said , "We should keep prizes for those who bash up missionaries coming to convert people."

Padalkar also offered 11 lakhs (1.1 million rupees or $12,663) for violence against Christian leaders, the bishops noted. 

27 Christians Killed in Nigeria

Residents in Plateau state, Nigeria on july 25 held a funeral procession for 27 Christians  massacred in one village 10  days earlier, the Christian Daily website reports today (July 29, 2025).

The Fulani herdsmen attacked the Christian village at about 11 p.m. as residents  slept.

Pam Dachungyang, a senator in the National Assembly from the area, said the herdsmen went house to house killing the elderly, women, and children as they were sleeping.

Dachungyang added,"These are people whose primary occupation is farming, and the continued violence is not only destroying lives, but also threatening food security and livelihoods."

Armenian Govt. Told to End Persecution of Apostolic Church

 Christians have called on the Armenian government to end the "persecution" of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Christian Today website reports today (July 28, 2025).

Signatories of the joint statement include the NGOs Christian Solidarity International (CSI), Coptic Solidarity, and SOS Chretiens d'Orient.

Relations between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the government are currently strained. Archbishop Mikael Alapahyan has been arrested on charges  of encouraging the overthrow of the government by undemocratic means.

Armenian prosecutors point to a number of statements made by the archbishop appearing 

to call for a coup. He said "I called for a coup to save the country from this madman. This is not just a call; it must be done."

In a statement, CSI said it had "grave concerns over the intensifying campaign by the Armenian government against the Armenian Apostolic Church and its supporters."

CSI added the government was effectively trying to take control of the church by suggesting the replacement of the churh's Catholicos with a state--run committee.

92 Baptized on Bournemouth Beach in England, Glorify Jesus

 Ninety--rwo people stood on a beach in the south of England and publicly declared their love for Jesus Christ by getting baptized en masse at an  event witnessed  by hundreds, the Christian Daily website reports today (July 27, 2025).

Five churches from Bournemouth in the county of Dorset were involved in the baptism event . which started at 9:30 a.m.near the Grade II--listed Bascombe Pier on the town's seafront on July 13.

The five churches organizing the baptisms on Bournemouth seafront were Bournemouth Community Church, Catch the Fire Church, Lansdowne Church, Coastline Vineyard Church, and Lovechurch.

Rev. Mike Smailes, Associate Minister for Lansdowne Church, told Christian Daily that the baptism event was witnessed by countless people. "God is adding to our churches those He's saving from every community. Eveyone sensed it, this was something very special. May the Lord now strengthen us all with greater boldness to live and speak for Him."

TBN: God's Real Peace for a Chaotic World

 For over 50 years, the mission of the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) has remained unchanged: To use every available means to reach as many individuals and families as possible with the life--changing Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Crossmap website reports today (July 25, 2025).

Launched in 1973 by Christian television pioneers Paul and Jan Crouch, TBN began as one low--power television station broadcasting a few hours of Christian programming each day to viewers throughout the Los Angeles area.

In the years since, TBN has grown into a family of over thirty twenty--four hour global networks reaching every inhabited continent with entertaining, inspirational, and life--changing programming for every family member and demographic. TBN began as a dream to "build a Christian television network that spans the whole world."  Today that dream is a reality -- and still expanding!

Religious Rights Group in Spain Urges EU to Create Post to Control Christian Hate Crimes

 A religious rights group in Spain is calling on the president of the European Commission to create a Special Coordenator to combat hate crimes against Christians, the Christian Daily website reports today (July 24, 2025).

The Observatory for Religious Freedom(OLRC) in Spain on July 9 urged Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, to create the position equivalent to existing specialists to combat anti--Semitism and Islamophobia in the European Union. 

"It is imperartive  that the European Commission act with the same commitment it shows in the fight against other forms of religious hatred," OLRC Presient Maria Garcia said in a press statement. 

Anti--Christian attacks are prevalent, she said, as the Observatory of Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe (OIDAC Europe) documented 2,444 hate crimes against Christians in 35 European countries in its "Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe Report 2024."

Fresh Attacks on Christians in Syria after Deadly Church Bombing

 Despite promises by the interim Syrian government to respect and protect minorities, sectarian violence has increased in recent days, particularly against Christians, the Christian Today website reports today (July 23, 2025). 

In the village ofAl--Soura Alkabiva, 38 Christian homes have been destroyed. St. Michael's Melkite Greek Catholic Church has been badly damaged in an attack. It is unknown who carried out the attacks. 

The interim Syrian government is headed by HTS, a militant group that began as an offfshoot of al--Qaeda. The new government has given assurances that it is committed to respecting the rights of minorities.  

Howver, their assurances have done little to ease the fears of Christians and other minorities in light of concerning developments. 

Less than a month ago, Mar Elias Orthodox Church in Damascus became the victim of a suicide bombing that killed more than 30 people and injured 54. The extremist jihadist group Saraya Ansar al--Sunnah claimed responsibility for the attack.

Pastor Jack Graham: The Reality of Heaven

 We can only transform the world when we choose to live totally for Jesus, set ablaze through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Crossmap website reports today (July 21, 2025).

Pastor Jack Graham walks us through Scripture, revealing the truth about angels and what they offer us: encouragement, counsel, confirmation of God's will, strength, protection, wisdom, companionship, and more. Dr. Graham demonstrates that the main role of angels is to point us  toward Christ.

Our mission at Power Point Ministries is to glorify God by introducing Jesus Christ as Lord to as many people as possible and to develop them in Christian living using the most effective means to impact the world, making an eternal difference in this generation. 

Power Point Ministries started as a vision of Jack Graham and his wife, Deb, 20 years ago. 

They believed that the power of God was evident in their growing church and that His Gospel message should be spread beyond the walls of the church to the world at large. They purchased airtime on the Trinity Broadcast Network and Power Point Ministries was then officially launched in April 1994. 

Power Point can now be seen or heard by an audience of millions of television viewers and radio listeners across the U.S. and several other countries.

Christian Farmers Fellowship to Mark 40 Years of Gospel Impact

The Fellowship of Christian Farmers International  (FCFI) is set to mark a significant milestone, as it celebrates its 40th anniversary at its annual conference in Kalamazoo, Michigan this July, the Christian Daily website reports today (July 20, 2025). 

The event will commemorate four decades of impactful gospel --centered farming ministry have set the stage for the next  40 years of service. 

"This isn't just a celebration -- it's a defining moment," said Executive Director Dan Janzen. "It's a time to reaffirm our mission of equipping Christian farmers to make a lasting impact in their communities, both spiritually and practically." 

FCI launched at the American Soybean Association Expo in 1985. Since then, the organization has supported evangelism, disaster relief, and mission outreach for farming communities throughout the U.S.

Seek Jesus When You Feel Fragile

 Our bodies tell a story of brokenness, but Jesus'scarred hands and feet have the final word, the Crossmap website reports today (July 19, 2025).

Consider Him when you feel most fragile, and consider Him when your heart longs for comfort. You can be confident that the weakness you feel today won't last forever, keep looking to Jesus for hope, holding fast to Him extends His arms and welcomes you home. 

That need can actually help us as we consider Jesus and see how the incarnation of Christ -- that the Son of God was a real man in a real body -- is our hope for the moment we feel fragile.

Pope Calls for Ceasefire after Attack on Cath. Church in Gaza

Pope Leo XIV has called for a ceasefire in Gaza after the only                                                                                             Catholic parish in the territory fell victim to a deadly Israeli strike this morning (July 17, 2025) , the Christian Today website reports today.

Three people are reported to have been killed and several others seriously injured in the strike on the Holy Family Catholic Parish. Among the injured was parish priest Gabriel Romanelli. 

The church has been a safe haven for hundreds of Christians and other seeking refuge from the conflict with Israel. 

Following news of the strike this morning, Pope Leo sent a telegram to the parish saying he was "deeply saddened" by the loss of life and injury, and assuring them of  his "spiritual closeness."

"His Holiness renews his call for an immediate ceasefire, and he expresses his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation, and enduring peace for the region, " the telegram said.

Study: A Quarter of Americans Fear They or a Loved One Could Be Deported

 A new study shows that a quarter of all adults in the U.S. (23%) are worrying that they , or a loved one, could be depored from the country in the near future, the Christian Daily website reports today ( July 16, 2025).Pew Research Center released the findings after conducting a survey earlier last month (June 2--8,2025). The percentage figure of thosec oncerned qbout deportation has increased from 19 percent in March. 

Pew Research stated,"More recently, President Donald Trump ordered stronger efforts in some major American cities to detain and deport immigrants living in the country illegally."

The press release from Pew Research Center directly linked the mental stress to the Trump administration increasing immigration arrests and deportations. 

The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE)  welcomed a U.S. government decision to halt arrests and deportations of non--criminal immigrants working in agriculture and hospitality-- calling the policy shift a step toward greater stability for immigrant families.

New Survey: Most Churches Sill Pass the Plate to Collect Offerings

Most Protestant churches in the U.S. continue to  pass a plate or basket during worship services to collect offerings, according to a new survey of pastors by Lifeway Research, the Christian Post website reports today (July 13, 2025).

Nearly three in four U.S. Protestant pastors say their churches collect physical offerings by passing something around during the service, and close to half say they also share giving options as people arrive or leave the building, the study found.

After surveying 1,003 Protestant pastors, Lifeway found that 64% use passing the plate as  the primary collection method, more than any other option, with that number rising to 68% among pastors leading churches with 50 to 99 attendees.

Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, said that the range   of giving methods reflects the diversity of working practices. "While many churches offer digital giving oprions, only 1% of churches say they don't provide an opportunity to give an offering n person at their worship services."

The Value of Scripture in Our Lives

To be filled with the Spirit is to let the Word of God guide you and inspire you, the Crossmap website reprts today (July 5, 2025).  

It's peace for your anxious heart when the world is screaming. It's love that makes you patient when the world is testing you. It's wisdom to know your next step forward when the path ahead seems dark. It's courage to face the waves and step right in , knowing God will never let you drown.

When you've spent each day filling yourself with the Word of God, it is always present, written onto your very heart. You won't be searching for a hand to grab , a majical moment of affirmation; you'll know He is already there.

 Let the Word of God grow richly inside you. Pull up a chair, crack open the Bible, and let the Word of Christ move in, unpack its bags, and write itself upon your heart. 

Gallup Poll: Patriotism among Americans Reaches Record Low

According to a recent survey, patriotism in the U.S. has reached a record low, as fewer Americans than ever before consider themselves extremely or very proud of their country, the Christian Post website reports today (July 4, 2025).

In a survey released four days before Independence Day,Gallup asked Americans if they consider themselves   proud of their country.The data is based on responses from 1,000 U.S. adults between June 2--19 and had a margin of error of 4 percentage points. 

The 58% of Americans describing themselves as "extremely" or "very" proud o be an American constituted  new low for the 25 years that Gallup has asked the question. The share of Americans who described themselves as "very" proud to be American plummeted from 26% last year to a record low of 17% this year. 

Nineteen pecent said they are "moderately"proud , and 11% reported being"only a little" proud.About 9% said they are "not at all" proud.

Study: Marijuana Causes Heart Attacks, Stroke

A major new study has added to a growing body of research highlighting the health risks associated with marijuana use -- particularly its impact on heart function --reinforcing concerns long voiced by Christian medical professionals, the Christian Daily website reports today(July 3, 2025). 

The June 2025 study, published in the Journal of the British Medical Asssociation, found that daily marijuana users are 34% more likely to develop heart failure than non--users. 

Drawing on data from over 150,000 U.S. adults tracked over several years, the study also linked marijuana use with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. 

Despite mounting clinical evidence of health risks, marijuana continues to gain legal and public acceptance in the U.S. and worldwide. Although it is illegal at the federal level, marijuana has been llegalized for recreational use in nearly half of U.S.states, contributing  to its growing normalization and widespread use.

Just Who Was behind Church Bombing in Syria?

More than a week has passed since the suicide bombing of an Eastern  Orthodox Church  in Damascus, Syria shocked the city, the Christian Today website reports today (July 2, 2025).At least 25 people died as a result of the attack and there is still some dispute about who bears ultmate responsibility for the atrocity. 

When Basher al--Assad's secular government fell late last year to al--Qaeda offshoot HTS, there were serious concerns about what this would mean for Syria's Christians and other minorities.

The day after the suicide attack, the government blamed a cell of so--called Islamic State, adding that it had arrested its members. However, IS has not taken responsibility for the attack -- althouh neither have they denied involvement.

A new Islamist group known as Brigade of Supporters of the Sunni says it was behind the attack. The group claimed the attack was in retaliation for residents in the area preventing a group of Muslims from broadcasting loud Islamic chants outside the church. 

"Christians are shocked and scared after what happened in Damascus. Open Doors calls for prayer for the church in Syria. Pray for peace of heart and for protection in the weeks to come."

God Opposes Gossip

Google defines gossip as "casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true," the Crossmap website reports today (july 1, 2025). Scripture has a long list of names for it:: slander, backbiting, betraying a confidence, whispering, and tale bearing. However you define gossip, the Bible clearly warns us of its destructive power. 

When we gossip, we break God's greatest commandment, the call to love one another. 

Gossip hurts our witness to the unsaved world. 

God holds us accountable for every idle word we say. Gossip will cause us to lose friends. One of the best ways o break the gossip habit, according to Chip Ingram in his Bible study, "Five Lies that Ruin Relationships," is to listen more and speak less. This is sound advice, srtraight from the Bible.