"March for Jesus" in Guatemala Draws Crowds

For the third onsecutive year, Guatemala's capital hosted the "March for Jesus," a large gatheringg that brought together hundreds of people from muliple churches and denominations in a public demonstration of faith and unity, the Christian Daily website reports today (Sept. 30, 2025).

The Plaza de la Construcion served as the starting point for the march, as paricipants walked along Sixth Avenue while proclaiming their beliefs.

Organizers said the event has become an important meeting place for church leaders in  the country,  bringing together representatives from congregations, missions, and ministries for a special program of prayer for society and government authorities. 

Held under the theme "There Is Power In His Blood," the event featured

 praise, worship, dancing, and the sounding of the shofar. One of the central moments was the deliberation of the Lord's Supper, with participants sharing in the sacrament as a sign of unity and spiritual renewal.

The gathering aimed to deliver a message of hope to citizens and has been described by organizers as a catalyst for strengthening ties with Guatemala's Christian community.

theologyandsociety.blogspot.com

 Parents can often foresee danger and protest their kids getting injured, the Crossmap website reports today (Sept. 29, 2025).

Kids grumble and complain that they don't have enough freedom and that our boundaries are too restrictive. Yet, skating down the driveway toward a main road could prove deadly. A fall from a flimsy branch can lead to a shattered arm. A slip on the icy sidewalk might land them in the emergency room. In it all, we know the consequences.

Sometimes, we put children in challenging situations to protect them. We know if they don't apply themselves in grade school, they could grow up to be sluggards. If we give them every comfort they desire, they'll become pleasure--seeking adults who might end up addicted to entertainment. Like us, our children almost always want comfort, but we know the easy path often rolls out the red carpet and then pulls the rug from underneath us.

God plans our path.

God often brings us through hard places to protect us from a destination that would ruin us and prepares us for places that require more of this preparation.

Through the Holy Spirit, we have the full presence of our three--in--one God with us at every moment. He leads us by the Word of God. He encourages us through the people of God. He convicts us through the truth of God.He comforts us with the love of God. He is real and He is with us right here and right now. 

God knows the way, and He sent the Way, the Truh, and the Life to guide us in our pilgrimage to the promised land.

King and Queen to Meet Pope Leo XIV

 King Charles III and Queen Camilla will meet Pope Leo XIV when they visit the Vatican in October, the Christian Today website reports today (Sept. 28, 2025).

The original state visit was supposed to take place in April with Pope Leo's predecessor. the late Pope Francis.

It was postponed due to Francis' ill health, although thy paid a brief visit to him at the Casa Santa Marta, a guesthouse in the Vatican where he had been convalescing at the time. He died just a few weeks later.

The rescheduled visit will take place under the theme of "pilgrims of hope,"and falls within the Jubilee year being marked by the Catholic Church worldwide this year.

King Charles, whose titles include Supreme Governor of the Church of England, has been an advocate of positive inter--faith relations and was among the guests at the canonization of Cardinal Newman in Rome in 2019.

God Is the Source of Human Rights, Not Government

As Americans, we are living in extraordinary times, the Christian Post website reports today (Sept. 27, 2025).

God was using Charlie Kirk as part of a Christian spiritual awakening on our national college campuses. Moreover, his assassination has strengthened and magnified his cause.

Perhaps the disconnect between "what is" and "what is becoming" is that Americans have discovered, or rediscovered, the pivotal role of Christianity in the nation's heritage of who we have been as a country. 

The U.S.was  founded on the principle that "all men are created equal because our rights come from God, our Creator, not from our laws, not from our government.

President John F. Kennedy, in his inaugural address on Jan. 20, 1961,declared: "And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forbears fought  are still at issue around the globe -- the belief the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God."

Officials,Muslims Halt Church Construction in Indonesia

 Officials in Central Java Province, Indonesia halted construction of a church and religious tourism compound following pressures from local council members and Muslim groups, the Christian Daily website reports today(Sept. 26. 2025).

The Karaanganyar Regent on Sept. 2 suspended construction of the Immanuel Christian Church building and the Holyland Bukit Dona religious tourism compound of the Indonesian Bethel Church.

The letter of  suspension stated that several community groups opposed the project, believing it could create social conflict. Construction may continue once  the issues with the local community are resolved.

"The suspension of construction aims to maintain conducive conditions and prevent social conflict," the regent wrote. "The local government is obliged to prioritize the interests of the wider community."

Finding God's Calling on Your Life

 It is challenging to find God's calling on your life but it can be confuising during midlife, the Crossmap website reports today (Sept. 25, 2025).

We take inventory of our successes or lack thereof. We note the superficial signs of aging by counting our new forehead wrinkles and slathering ourselves with cream.

we praise God for an overall good year, or we praise Him for carrying us through a horrible one. And we pray for good years to come.

God calls us to worship together in the body of Christ.

He also calls us to care for the widows,the oppressed ,and the poor.

God calls us to secular occupations or jobs we never planned to do.

These mini ministries are building blocks that we must steward well before making the climb, because God ordains the ordinary moments before revealing His extraordinary purpose.

New Study: Americans Are Confused about Sin

 A new national survey has found that most Americans remain deeply confused about the nature of sin, with many rejecting biblical definitions and even refusing to call themselves "sinners," the Christian Today website reports today (Sept. 24, 2025).

The findings come from the AmericanWorldview Inventory 2025, a wide--ranging study led by Arizona Christian Univerity's Cultural Research Center.

Dr. George Barna, who   directed the research, described the results as "spiritually dangerous." 

"After more than four decades of studying the beliefs of Americans, I'm convinced that few issues are more misunderstood -- or more spiritual dangerous -- than sin," Dr. Barna said.

Americans often admit that sin exists but refuse to take it seriously -- focusing more on how guilty sin makes them feel than on what sin does to their relationship with God -- on their lives.

Six of ten adults (61%) acknowledge that sin results in guilt. Yet for many, those guilty feelings are considered more troubling than the sin itself. 

Also, no more than 56% of respondents believe that sin has a lasting effect on a person' life, suggesting that many do not see sin as transformative or life--changing. 

While many people admit to moral failures, they stop short of acknowledging sin as a direct rejection of God's authority and design.

The research also revealed that a very small minority -- just 14% -- maintain a biblical perspective on sin.

Jesus Is the Discerner of Hearts

 During the time He was in Jerusalem, those days of the Passover Feast, many people noticed the signs He was displaying and, seeing that they pointed straight to God, entrusted their lives to Him, the Crossmap website reports today (Sept. 23, 2025).

But Jesus did not entrust His life to them. He knew them inside and out, knew how untrustwothy they were. He did not need any help seeing right through them. 

Scripture leads us into understanding what is going on with the next three people Jesus meets. We observe His intimate discussions with Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, and the Gentile nobleman.

Jesus shows His ability to understand the hearts of their hidden inner thoughts, desires and needs. Nicodemus needed faith, the Samaritan woman required moral transformation, and the nobleman needed his son healed.

Jesus has a thorough understanding of human nature, He can read people accurately more than even a doctor can read a blood test to diagnose cancer.

Our love relationship with the Lover of our soul is more than signs of wonders. The Lord's love is so endearing that He wants to entrust Himself to us.

Can Jesus entrust Himself to you?

FranklinGraham: Murder of Charlie Kirk Due to Left Wanting to Silence Opponents

 Samaritan's Purse CEO Franklin Graham, son of the late evangelist Billy Graham, said the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk indicates the Left wants to silence their opponents, but urged Christians to follow Kirk's example by remaining unafraid, the Christian Post website reports today (Sept. 20, 2025).

"I think what the assassin was wanting to do, no question, has backfired," Graham told the Christian Post in a phone interview. "And what the Left is wanting to do is to shut  the mouth of anyone who is willing to speak out."

Graham expressed hope that Kirk, who was assassinated last week in Utah by a 22--year--old with leftist political views will have an impact for Christ even in the wake of his death.

"I hope this is going to raise up an array of young people who will take a  stand for Jesus Christ, who are not afraid to speak out and not afraid that they are going to be attacked or not be afraid to speak the truth."

"I think Charlie's death put a huge spotlight on the truth: that Jesus is God's son," Graham told the Christian Post. "And so what the assassin, I'm sure,wanted to do was to shut Charlie up, to shut his mouth. The opposite effect is taking place."

Pastors Who Put Their Families First Tend to Remain Pastors

New research has shed light on the factors that make pastors more likely a step away from the pulpit,the Christian Today website reports today (Sept. 18, 2025). 

A  Lifeway Research study found that just 1,1% of Protestant pastors leave pastoral ministry each year prior to retirement age. However, a  comparison of current and former pastors reveals important predictors of pastoral longevity -- and what drives some to quit. 

The executive director  of  Lifeway Research , ScottMcConnell, said: "Experts can theorize what keeps pastors  in the pulpit, but only a comparison of pastors who have stayed to those who have left can point  to what matters."

Among the findings are that family life plays a decisive role . Pastors who put their  families first and integrate them inti minnistry are significantly  more likely to remain in leadership. 

Those who put their families first during scheduling conflicts were 1% times more likely to still be serving.

By contrast, resentment within the family proved damandingg : 41% of former pastors said  their families resented ministry  demands , compared to 16% of current pastors. 

Erika Kirk Vows to Continue Husband's Mission

 In an emotional speech two days after her husband was murdereed in a college campus in Utah, Erika Kirk vowed to continue her husband's mission at Turning Point USA and to spread 

the Gospel with the hope to "make Heaven crowded," the Christian Daily website reports today (Sept. 16, 2025).

Although the f plot was an act of evil,  Erika Kirk affirmed that she knows God will use this tragedy for good.

"I honestly have no idea what ay of this means. I know that God does. I don't. But Charlie, baby, I now you do, too... Our world is  filled with evil, but our God, you guys, our God is so good.  God is so incredibly good. And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good for those  who are called according to His purpose," she said.

She warned those responsible for her husband's death, asserting they have unleashed  a movement that will propel Charlie Kirk's mission forward.

"They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith,and God;s merciful love. They should all know this: "If you have no idea that my husband's mission was powerful before, you have no idea," she declared. "The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry to everyone listening tonight across America. The movement my husband built will not die. It won't. I refuse to let it happen. It will not die."

As the founder of TPUSA, Charlie Kirk played a pivotal role in securing support for Preident Donald Trump among young voters, and most recently hosted the TPUSA Faith Forward Pastors Summit in Los Angeles to mobilize Christian leaders to stand firm against the rising tide of evil in society.

Charlie Kirk Killer Is Identified

Th man who allegedly assassinated Charlie Kirk did so because he hated the views of the Christian conservative youth activist, according to Utah Gov.Spencer Cox, the Christian Post website reports today (Sept. 12, 2025). 

Tyler Robinson, a 22--year--old resident of Washington County, Utah has been identified as the shooter who killed Kirk around 12:20 p.m. on Sept.10 durng a TPUSA event at Utah Valley University. Robinson was taken into custody after a family member, believed to be his father, turned him in.

It is generally believed by investigators that Robinson acted alone and authorities do not expect any further arrests.

An influential conservative activist, Kirk was speaking at the Utah University in Orem when the gunman fatally shot him in the neck.

Charlie Kirk Shot Dead at Utah Valley University

Authorities are still searching for the shooter who killed Charlie Kirk at an event at Utah Valley University,but have recovered a rifle believed to have been used to fire the single fatal shot, the USA Today website reports today (Sept.11, 2025).

Authorities have not identified a suspect, but said that they  recovered a high--powered rifle in the woods they believe was used in the shooting and learned new details about a suspect from video being analyzed. Photos of a new person of interest were also   released by the FBI today. 

Kirk, a 31--year--old conservative activist and close political ally of President Donald Trump, was speaking outside in a courtyard at the univerwsity yesterday afternoon. The shooting, captured in  graphic detail  in video clips that rapidly spread around the internet, sparked fear and panic among some of the 3,000 attendees, prompting the school

to evcacuate the campus and close down as authorities investigate. Some students fled while others barricaded themselves into classrooms,Utah Department of Public Safety

Commissioner Beau Mason said.

"We do have good video footage of this individual,"Mason said. He added that investigators are using technology to help identify the suspect from the video.

Trump, who ordered all U.S. flags flown at half--staff until sunset on Sunday, has vowed that his administration will "find each and evrey one of those who contributed to this atrocity."

Kirk, 31, was a husband of Erika Frantzve and father of two young children: a daughter, 3, and a son,1.

Thousands Gather n Mexico for Great Day of Humility

 With prayer for repentance and renewed family values, thousands of Christians gathered on Sept.6 in Plaza Juarez,Hidalgo, Mexico to mark the Great Day of Humility, the international movement of public prayer and evangelism that has  spread across Latin America, the Christian Daily website reports today (Sept. 10, 2025).

Participants from various denominations and Christian organizations marched, prayed, and sang under the banner of unity and peace for Mexico, a nation still grappling with high levels of crime and insecurity. The gathering included a March for Unity and Peace through downtown streets and concluded with a large rally in central square.

The Great Day of Humility began with a morning seminar for leaders and an outreach initiative called "Operation Traffic Light," where volunteers held signs encouraging passersby to draw closer to God. In the afternoon, Christians paraded through the streets of Pachuca waving   Mexican and Israeli flags, kneeling in prayers, and chanting"Christ Lives" as motorists poured to watch.

Over 10.000 Turn Out for March for Life in London

Thousands of people from across the UK came together to be a powerful voice of the unborn at the March for Life in London on Sept. 6, the Christian Today website reports today (Sept. 8, 2025).

Organizers estimate that at least 10,000 people turned out for March for Life 2025.

The day began with church and prayer services in the morning, before the march got underway at Parliament Square.

This year's March for Life was supported by a number of Christian leaders, including Anglican and Catholic bishops, and  pro--life campaigner Regan King.

Co--director of March for Life Isabel  Vaughan--Spruce, said that more than the numbers, she was delighted to hear so many amazing  stories of pro--life across the country.

She added, "So many different denominations of Christians -- and a growing number of atheists -- put aside specific theological differnces to come together in recognition of the value of every life from conception."

Boko Haram Terrorists Kill 8 Christians in Nigeria

 Members of Islamic extremist group Boko Haram on August 30 killed  five Christians in Borno State, Nigeria, and three others in another area of the state on August 31, the Christian Daily webite reports today (Sept. 7, 2025).

The terrorists killed five Christians working on their farms in Nogoshe Village, Gwoza County, and on Aug. 31 attacked Mussa Village in Askira County, killing three Christians as they slept in their homes, said area resident Hauwa Samuel.

"Chrisians here have continued to face challenges from constant threats and attacks from Boko Haram terrorists,"Samuel said.

A member of Nigeria's National Assembly, Sen.Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, said Boko Haram miiitants also burned dozens of houses in the Aug. 31 attack.

"I am profoundly saddened by these senseless killings," Ndume said in a statement. "Our people, whose only pursuit is peace and livelihood, continue to fall victim to the cruelty of insurgents. These men and women deserved to live, to farm, and to dream, but their lives have been cut short by those who thrive on violence."

Future of Theological Ed. Must Rest on Character

 Dr. Marvin Oxenham believes the future of theological education must not only rest on academic excellence or professional competence, but also on something more personal: the character of those preparing to serve in ministry, the Christian Daily website reports today (Sept. 5, 2025).

Oxenham explained why recovering the Christian tradition of character and virtus education is vital not just for theological schools but for churches, families, and Christian discipleship as a whole.

Oxenham serves s secretary--general of the European Council for Theological Education (ECTE) and directs the ICETE Academy, an online training platform for theological educators worldwide.Based in Rome, he has devoted decades to church planting, evangelism, and educational leadership in recent years.

For Oxenham, the emphais on character is  not a wide issue, but central to the credibility and health of Christian   witness. He observed that most of the problems faced by churches are not rooted in doctrinal error or lack of technical skills. Instead, they arise when leaders and members alike fail in matters of integrity, humility, and moral courage. 

Digital Bible Distribution Outstrips Print Worldwide for First Time

 The United Bible Societies Fellowship (UBS) said that for the first time ever more digital copies of Scripture were shared than printed versions, the Christian Today website reports today (Sept. 4, 2025).

In its Scripture Distribution Statistics report for 2024, UBS said that the number of printed Bibles distributed across the word fell from 24.2 million in 2023 to 22.5 million last year. However, the number of online Bibles distributed was 25.9 million, surpassing physical copies  for the first time.

The countries with the largest populations received the most physical copies of the Bible. Brazil topped the charts with 4.2 million, followed by India at 1.8 million, and China with 1.6 million, Evangelical Focus reports.

With the growng digital market for the Bible, the UBS report now also includes additional details about online interactions with Scripture.

Christians Should Reclaim Biblical Meaning of Labor Day

 It's time for Christians everywhere to reclaim the biblical meaning of Labor Day, the Christian Post website reports today (Sept. 2, 2025).

Labor Day was first observed in 1882 in New York City under the auspices of the Central Labor Union. It became a federal holiday in 1894, following national labor protests and the Pullman Strike.

However, there was the biblical notion that workers deserve honor, dignity, and respect. Labor Day is more than a secular civic holiday. Click open your Bible app, search for labor, and you will see a parade of deeply biblical truths. 

Christians affirm that each individual is called by God to work, that their labor honors God and is deserving of dignity and fair treatment, and that it is good to take a Sabbath Day break from all their labors.

In Matthew (11-28-30),Jesus offers a blanket invitation -- a Labor Day rest that lasts forever! "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden," Christ declares, "and I will give you rest."