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."

Who Is Jesus?

Jesus and His disiples went on the village around 

Caesare Philippi. On the way, He asked them, "Who do people say I am? (Mark 8:27),the Crossmap website reports today (August31,2025).

After Peter had spent so much time with Jesus, he had become familiar with who Jesus was, so his answer was fitting to Jesus' question. "You are the Messsiah." It wasn't the right time for everyone to know who Jesus fully was, even though the whole time He was on earth, he was 

revealing the Father God. The fullness of the glory of God was revealed in Jesus . 

Ater He died on the cross, Jesus became our Messiah, He won the victory over  sin and became the exalted Son, who sits at the right hand of God.

The one thing about our identity that we should never forget    is that God tells us who we are and calls us His sons and daughters. we are a new creation because of Jesus and belong to God's Kingdom.

Theerefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!

Prague March for Jesus Draws Crowds of Hundreds

Hundreds of Christians filled  the streets of central Prague on August 2 for the third annual "March for Jesus,"the Christian Daily website reports today (August 29, 2025). 

The evangelistic march, organized by the Czech associations Salvation Crew and Reach the World, drew believers from across the country for a time of worship, public preacching, and prayer in some of the capital's most iconic squares.

In Prague, Czech worship leader Jan Kristof led the joint worship in Hradcansky Square.

Rev. Peter Kuba, pastor of the Open Church in Prague, then spoke about the gospel's message and the importance of churches being unified in faith.

The event concluded at the Old Town Square at 6:30 p.m. with a worship performance by the band,"The Altar Echo."

Minneapollis Cath. School Shooting Leaves 2 Dead, over a Dozen Wounded

 At least two children have died and over a dozen are injured after a shooting this morning (August 27, 2025) at a private school in Minnesota,the Christian Post website reports.

Authorities responded to reports of a shooter at Annunciation Church and Catholic School in Minneapolis, which occurred around the time that students were at weekly mass.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said at a press conference that it was "an unthinkable tragedy" that occurred during the first  week of school. A gunman believed to be in his 20s fired through the church windows, hitting children and other worshipers, O'Hara said. 

Two children, aged 10 and 8, were among the dead.There were 17 other injuries, including 14 children, two of whom were in critical condition.

"The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible," O'Hara said. "The coward who fired these shots ultimately took his own life in the rear of the church."

O'Hara did not identify the gunman, and  a motive is not yet clear.

Venezuelan Christians Hold Nationwide March for Jesus

 A multitude of evangelical Christians mobilized across Venezuela on Aug. 2 during the March for Jesus, an event declared months earlier as

the "National Day of the March for Jesus" by the Venezuelan government through a presidential decree, the Christian Daily website reports today (August 26, 2025).

According to the Latin Evangelical Alliance (AEL), delegations from evangelical churches across all 23 states and the Capital District participated in the event. Believers of various nationalities and denominations also joined, marcching with banners,flags, and T--shirts bearing the event's theme, along with messages exalting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Along the way, songs, praises, prayers, and calls for unity could be heard. This year's theme was "Jesus, the nations belong to you."

Pastor Jose Pinero, executive director of the Evangelical Council of Venezuela, addressed the crowd in Cumana with a    message of the gathering.

Pinero stressed, "This march is  a space where we celebrate Jesus Christ with joy."

Living a Purposeful Life

 The purpose of life doesn't begin with us, but begins with God,  the Christian Today website reports today (August 22, 2025).

God, who is love Himself, made us out of love, and to love.

But humanity fell (Genesis 3). In  arrogance, we rejected His love, allowing sin to enslave us (Romans 1:21). The bondage of sin ruled over us  -- until God, in His mercy and love, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to break its  power.Through His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection, Christ restored our identity as sons and daughters of God and opened the way to eternal life with Him (John 1:12).

The first command God gave humanity was to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28).Being fruitful means maturing in faith and bearing the fruit of love, both in our relationship with God and how we love toward others. This can only happen when we abide in Christ and He abides in us (John 15:5).

Study: Prisons in Pakistan Mistreat Christians

 A new study shows that prisoners from minority backgrounds, particularly Christians, face bias in Pakistani jails and are subjected to abuse by prison staff and Muslim inmates, the Christian Daily website reports today (August 20, 2025).

They are labeled as "untouchables" and given menial tasks, like cleaning toilets, according to the study released on Aug. 15, "Hope Behind Bars," by the National Commission for Justice and Peace, a Catholic church organization.

Among the worst--treated and discriminated prisoners are those charged under the country's harsh blasphemy laws and other religiously--motivated cases, the report stated.

Once the religious identity of prisoners becomes public, officials treat Christian and Hindu inmates poorly, assigning them menial tasks and refraining from offering them the remission in sentences that are offered to Muslims, according to the study.

What Worship Leaders Say Are Top Obstacles

 There are these roles every worship leader fills: musician, minister, and multiplier, the Christian Post website reports today (August 19, 2025).

There is musical ability to consider when choosing a worship leader. Can they sing? Can they play?Can they understand music theory? Can they lead rehearsal ? If the answer is yes, most churches overlook the lack of experience and spiritual maturity in the leader.

The second role worship leaders fill is that of minister, as well as by spending a lifetime  listening   and living in God's Word. Worship leaders must be taught how to provide theologically sound, sensitive and prudent ministry. It's the responsibility of the local church to raise them in sound, biblical education and training.     

The third role worship leaders inhabit is that of "multiplier." This means not only disciplining the volunteers on your worship team, but developing them as musicians and leaders Plurality and leadership with intentional discipleship and development are essential in modern worship ministries,

It's time to witness the joy and power of spiritual, creative worship driven by leaders who have everything they need to thrive.

Report: Hundreds of Hostile Acts Perpetrated against U.S.Churches

 A new report released by the Family Research Council shows that more than 400 acts of hostility were recorded against churches in the United States in 2024, with a sharp rise in gun--related incidents, the Christian Today website reports today (August 18, 2025).

The incidents highlighted in the group's "Hostility against Churches in the United States" report ranged from vandalism and arson to gun--related threats, bomb hoaxes, and physical assaults.

The Washington--based conservative Christian advocacy organization documented 415 hostile acts across 43 states, affecting 383 churches, based on open--source documents, media reports, and official records.

"The rise in crimes against churches is taking place in a context in which fewer Americans are attending religious services or identify with specific faith," the report notes.

UK Universities See Drop in Religious Studies

 There are concerns about the future of theology and religious studies in the U.K., as a number of universities offering these subjects continues to decline, the Christian Post website reports today (August 16, 2025).

A broad spectrum of faith leaders, academics,and public figures have expressed concern that the subjects could disappear altogether for universities unless action is taken now to safeguard them.

There are only 21 higher education institutions in England and Wales offering undergraduate degrees in theology and religious studies compared to 90 in history, 90 in music,and 101 in sociology.

"This impacts student choice, but it also has adverse effects for society,"the letter reads.

"Theology plays a crucial role in the intellectual, ethical, and cultural development of communities. It equips people with the tools to engage more thoughtfully with global cultures and traditions and to engage deeply with complex sacred texts.

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German Evangelical Leader:We Need to Keep Our Hearts Pure

 Evangelicals have moved into positions of political influence in recent years, particularly in the United States, the Christian Daily website reports today (August 15, 2025).

Reinhardt Schink,  head of the Evangelical Alliance in Germany, is concerned about the consequences.

Schink reflected on the rapid shift from evanglicals often being a minority voice ignored by secular society in having influence on laws and public debates about morality,gender, and abortion -- matters he describes as questions of "what is right and what is wrong."

"Suddenly our voice is being heard and there is an opportunity to shape society to have influence within the lawmaking process," he said. "On the other hand, it is so easy to be compromised by the possibilities and by the power which you have. And I think this might be not only an opportunity but also a danger to Christians in these positions, also to ministries, to try not to play power games just like the world does."

To understand the right approach to power, Schink pointed to the example of Jesus, who demonstrated both great authority -- casting out demons, healing, speaking a word,and stilling the storm -- and great humility, as when He washed His disciples' feet.

The Nuclear Age Turns 80

Earlier this month, on August 6,Americans as a nation,  commemorated the 80th anniversary of dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. We dropped a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki on August 9, the Christian Post website reports today (August 14, 2025).

For many decades now, Americans, as well as people around the world, have debated whether America should have dropped "the bomb."

In helping defeat Hitler and Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, more than 16 million Americans had served in the American Armed Forces. America had suffered over a million casualties. 

America and its political and military leaders were war weary and yet were still facing a fanatical and implacable enemy that showed every sign of continuing to fight "to the last man" in combat situations.

Prague March for Jesus Draws Crowds of Hundreds

 Hundreds of Christians filled the streets of central Prague on August 2 for the third annual "March for Jesus,"publicly proclaiming the gospel despite rainy weather that drenched participants several times along the route, the Christian Daily website reports today (August 13, 2025).

The evangelistic march, organized by the Czech Association Crew and Reach the World, drew believers from across the country for a time of worship, public preaching, and prayer in some of the capital's most iconic squares. 

"Although the weather was not very good this year and the participants got wet several times on the way to the squares,  the atmosphere was joyful and I think that no one regretted the participation,"wrote Rev. Lubomir Ondacek, senior pstor of Christian Fellowship Prague and executive secretary of the Christian  Missionary Society, in the Czech Christian monthly Zivotvivx (Life of Faith).

Why Purity Matters in the Christian Faith

 When Christians talk about purity, it can feel restrictive, outdated, or even irrelevant, the Christian Today website reports today (August 12, 2025).

Even in church spaces, many of us grew up hearing about purity in ways that felt heavy, shame--based or impossible to live up to.

But God's view of purity is not about being perfect or prudish. It's about love,relationship, and transformation--living with a heart that's fully devoted to God. And that matters -- more than ever.

God is holy, good, pure, and sinless. He created us in His image and we were meant to reflect His nature. We strayed far from that image, and no amount of rule--keeping could restore what was lost.

That's why God gave us Jesus. Through His death and resurrection, we are given a new identity -- one we could never earn on our own. When God looks at those who are in Christ, He sees the purity of Jesus.

Poll: Americans' Trust ln Church Rebounding

 Public trust in the church as an institution has risen after three years of stagnation with 36% of Americans now saying they have a great amount of confidence on it. The shift, recorded in Gallup's latest survey on the topic marks the first significant increase since 2020, the Christian Daily website reports today (August 10,  2025).

Confidence in the church had fallen to 31%in 2022 and remained around 32% over the following two years, near the lowest recorded levels. Gallup hs tracked this trend annually since 1973, when trust stood at 66%, reaching a high of 68% in 1975.

The only other major rebound in recent decades came in 2001, when post 9/11 sentiment briefly raised confidence to 60%, the last time the institution earned such support, as reported by Lifeway Research.

The latest numbers show the American church regaining some ground, matching levels last seen in 2021 when confidence was 37%, while still far from majority support. The increase is notable across several demographics, particularly among poliitical conservatives.

Is College Worth the Time and Money?

 Liberal arts education in college is a waste of time and money, the Christian Post website reports today (August 8, 2025).

The original colleges and universities in North America were Christian. But today, most of these schools stand for the exact opposite. Liberals didn't start these shools; they just took them over, turning them away from God.

Today, we have cut ourselves off from the ancient wisdom found in the Scriptures, and instead find ourselves adrift in a sea of relativism. No wonder so many young graduates regret going to college.

Colleges should have technical schools that teach a particular trade or discipline, such as medicine, law, or computer science. Technical schools are about what you do, and universities should be about why you do it.

We may Be Nearing a Spiritual Awakening

 All around are promising signs we could be at the beginning of a spiritual awakening that only God can cause, the Crossmap website reports today (August 7, 2025).

A spiritual awakening occurs when God soveeignty pours out His Spirit in such a way it impacts the entire culture. Thisi is what happened during the Jesus Movement and at multiple times in Ameican history.

We are now seeing a spiritual hunger and resurgence about Jesus, especially among young people. This is what happened during the Jesus Movement. It was youth coming to Christ out of desperation.

Our young generation is hungry for spiritual truth.They want the unfiltered gospel of Christ crucified and the power of resurrection.

 

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.

 

Survey: Most Americans Support Teacher--Led School Prayer to Jesus

 According to new data from the Pew Research Center, most Americans suppot allowing teachers to lead students in prayer    to Jesus in schools, the Christian Post website reports today (June 29, 2025).

The survey is based on responses collected from Pew's 2023--24 Religious Landscape Study, which sampled the opinions of 36,908 U.S. adults from July 17, 2023 to March 4, 2024.

Overall, 52% of Americans support allowing teachers to lead their classes in prayers that refer to Jesus, while 27% are strongly in favor of this idea. On the other hand, 46% of those surveyed oppose letting teachers lead their classes in such prayers, with 22% strongly opposing the idea,

Pride, Dignity and the Need for Jesus

Christians are called to speak truth, but always in love, with the aim  to build up, not tear down, the Christian Today website reports today (June 21, 2025).

Scripture is clear on sexuality: any expression outside God's design for one male and one female in covenant marriage is sin (Romans 1:26--27).These are not arbitrary rules, they are part of God's loving design for human flourishing.

Scripture never condemns human dignity. In fact, it proclaims it: we are all made in the image of God (Genesis1:27),fearfully and wonderfully formed (Psalm 139:14).

But dignity becomes distorted when it turns into deity. This is the pride that Scripture warns against (Genesis 3:5--6), the root of all sin: when we crown ourselves as the final authority on who we are, what truth is, and what love should look like. 

God's purpose is never to shame, but to heal and restore (John3:17). His conviction is not cruelty; it's kindness that leads to repentance(Romans 2:4).Jesus humbled Himself so that we might be lifted up (Philippians 2:6--8).

Jesus still sees,still loves, and still invites every person into His grace and truth (Revelation 3:20).

Students Sue Va. over Being Denied Grants to Pursue Religious Studies

 Three students have filed a complaint against Virginia officials over allegedly being denied access to scholarship grant programs due to their decision to pursue religious studies, the Christian Post website reports today (June 20, 2025). 

Cameron Johnson and Luke Thomas, two recent high school graduates planning to attend Liberty University , and Trace Stevens, a current Liberty student,filed the complaint late last month in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division. 

Named defendants in the lawsuit were A. Scott Fleming, director of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia; John Jumper, Chair of he State Council of Higher Education for Virginia; and Donald Unmussig, chief financial officer of the Virginia Department of Military Affairs. 

According to the complaint, Johnson and Thomas were denied a Tuition Assistance Grant because the SCHEV excludes certain religious programs of study, while Stevens, a member of the Virginia Army National Guard, was denied a grant from the National Guard Tuition Assistance Grant Program because his academic study was centered on  "religious training or theological education."

Report: Bible Engagement Srongly Linked to Human Flourishing

 The American Bible Socety (ABS) released the third chapter of its 15th annual State of the Bible report on June 12, highlighting a strong link between active Christian faith and human flourshing, the Christian Daily website reports today (June 19, 2025). 

According to the report, individuals who reported a connection with God "exhibit greater human flour ishing levels" pointing to the positive impact of spiritual life on overall health  and satisfaction.

Human flourishing is defined in the report as "a state  of thriving and well--being where all aspects of a person's life are good."

The Meaning of the Juneteenth Holiday

June 19, 2025 marks 160 years since the origin of Juneteenth, which commemorates the day the last group of enslaved people found out they had been freed, the USA Today website reports today (June 18, 2025).

Long a holiday in the Black community and now federally recognized, the celebrations kick off each June 19, allowing people to gather, dance, reenact pivotal moments in history, and more. 

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and opportunity, said Sam Collins, who is on the trustee board for the Rosenberg Library in Galveston,Texas, often called "Professor Juneteenth." 

"It's not so much about slavery as it is about the freedom from slavery and what it allowed the former enslaved people to live their lives free, to marry, to learn to read, to educate themselves, to have self--agency over their bodies, to keep their families  together," he told USA Today. 

In June 2021, then president Joe Biden declared June 19 a national holiday. 

Up to 200 Christians Killed by Islamic Extremists in Nigeria

 Up to 200 Christians were killed by Islamic extremists in Nigeria's troubled Benue state on June 13, according to a Catholic charity reporting that it's the "single worst atrocity" in a region that has become known for communal attacks, the Christian Post website reports today (June 16, 2025). 

The militants attacked families displaced by radicalized Fulani herdsmen who were housed in buildings repurposed as temporary accommodations in the market square of Yelewata in the Guma Local Government Area, shouting "Allahu Akhbar,"acording to a report today from Aid to the Church in Need.

Buildings were torched as people were sleeping, and anyone who tried to flee was attacked with machetes. Local pastors told the charity that police had earlier repelled attackers who tried to swarm St. Joseph's Church, a facilityhousing over 700 internally displaced persons. 

"When we heard the shots and saw the militants, we committed our lives to God. This morning, I thanked God I am alive," parish priest,Father Ukuma Jonathan Angbiabee, told ACN. Angbiabee said he and others dropped to the floor on the church's presbytery when they heard the shots fired. 

"What I saw was truly gruesome. People were slaughtered. Corpses were scattered everywhere."

Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the attack in his Sunday Angelus message, saying he is praying for those killed in "a terrible massacre," most of whom were "sheltered by the local Catholic mission." Leo prayed for "rural Christian communities of the Benue State who have been relentless victims of violence."

Holy Spirit Has Fueled Gospel Witness through the Ages

 Moe than 1,000 evangelical pastors and ministry leaders from 56 nations gathered at the JW Marriott in Berlin for the European Congress on Evangelism hosted by the Billy Graham Evangelical Association, the Christian Daily website reports today (June 15, 2025).

Rev. Skip Heitzig . senior pastor of Calvary Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico, delivered a passionate call for Spirit--empowered evangelism during the European Congress on Evangelism. A board member of Samaritan's Purse and Harvest Christian Fellowship, Heitzig spoke on the topic "The Holy Spirit Empowers Preaching the Gospel." 

Drawing from the explosive growth of the early church, Heitzig rooted his message in Acts 4:31. "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."He urged delegates to consider whether many believers today, like the disciples in Acts 19, know of the Holy Spirit in name, but have never truly experienced His empowering presence. 

"The empowering of the Holy Spirit was the main reason the preaching of the early church was so effective," Heitzig pointed out.

"The idea of the Spirit held by the average church member is so vague as to be nearly non--existent," once wrote a renowned Bible teacher, the late AW Tozer. Heitzig referred to the quote and said that he has himself found some Christians are afraid of the Holy Spirit , often because of excessive behavior in some churches.

 They just say, "I don't want anything to do with that," but listen, you never have to be  afraid of a genuine move and work of the Holy Spirit. If it's really the Holy Spirit, it will be powerful. It will be done decently and in order, but unmistakably, God will move.

 "The Father sent the Son into the world. Jesus, the Son, purchased our salvation on Calvary, and then He sent the Holy Spirit into the church, " explained Heitzig. "And the Holy Spirit empowered the preaching, the teaching. and the function of the church in the book of Acts."

What Is Pentecost Sunday?

 Pentecost Sunday cpmmemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit on Jesus's disciples , which happened just after the Ascension at  the Feast of Pentecost, the Christian Today website reports today (June 12, 2025).

In the Church calendar, it falls seven Sundays or 50 days after Easter Sunday.

The event is recorded in he first two chapters of the Acts of the Apostles, which was written by Luke. It is not certain which year this happened, but most scholars today think it was AD 33.The word "Pentecost" comes from the Greek term shavuot, which was called the Feast of Weeks, and it was the Harvest Festival which celebrated the first fruits of the wheat harvest in the Holy Land. 

The New Testament was written in Greek, and the word for 50th is Pentekoste, hence Pentecost.

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples. Peter stood up and preached, telling the story of Jesus to the crowds. The Harvest Festival was the first fruits of the great harvest of souls. About 3,000 people joined the Church at Pentecost. These people were Jews of the Diaspora, and some Gentile converts to Judaism. They returned to their homelands and synagogues with the Gospel message. 

Parents Need to Teach Kids Values to Follow Christ

Paerents and grandparents serve as a child's primary and most impartful teachers , followed by church and ministry leaders , the Crossmap website reports today (June 10, 2025). 

Through our actions and words, we impart values such as respect, honor, honesty, truth, obedience, consequences, decision--making, repentance, forgiveness, trust, and peace. Our commitment to living out and sharing our faith must be consistent so that our children can witness Christ in us. We must pray for their strength in their faith journey while acknowledging God as the leader of our homes and personal lives. 

Parenting wields a profound influence on a child's life journey. You might be nurturing a future president, philanthropist, scientist, archaeologist, brain surgeon, or someone profoundly moved by God's love like Billy Graham. Your children will mirror the way you raise them as they engage with the world and eventually raise their own families. 

We must instill in our children a  deep, unwavering love for God and His Word. This foundation equips them to stand firm in their faith as they grow, even when it becomes unpopular. Our children will strive to emulate our lives, our treatment of others, our reverence for God, and our commitment to Him.

700 Marines Being Sent to LA to End Protests

A tense standoff between California and the federal government escalated today (June 9, 2025), with federal officials preparing to send in 700 Marines to assist the National Guard and state officials , saying they will sue the Trump administration's decision to "trample over" Governor Gavin Newsom's authority, the USA Today website reports. 

Newsom shot back at Trump over the move to send in Marines: "U.S. Marines have served honorably across multiple wars in defense of democracy. They are heroes. They shouldn't be deployed on American soil facing their own countrymen to fulfill the deranged fantasy of a dictatorial President. "

The addition of active--duty troops marks a significant escalation. It comes as California officials say they will sue the Trump administration challenging the decision to federalize the National Guard and send its members into city streets amid hostile protests over Trump immigration policies, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said today. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the Marines are being sent "due to increased threats of  federal law enforcement officers and federal buildings; approximately 700 active--duty troops are being deployed to Los Angeles to restore order." 

"We have an obligation to defend federal law enforcement officers...even if Gavin Newsom will not," Hegseth said.

Pakistan Parliament Passes Bill to Curb Child Marriages

 Pakistan's parliament on May 19 passed a significant bill aiming to curb, discourage, and eventually eradicate child marriages in the federal capital by raising the legal age of marriage for both sexes to 18 years, the Christian Daily website reports today (June 6, 2025).

The bill has been sent to President Asif Ali Zadari for his assent.Once he signs it into law, it would apply only to the federal capital, Islamabad,and only district and sessions courts would handle related cases. The Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929 would no longer apply in the federal capital following enforcement of the law, but all past orders, decisions and judgments made under that act would still be considered valid. 

"In this modern day and age, we have the resources and research which invariably proves that child marriage is harmful to both genders, and especially girls, who have hit puberty and are able to bear children," states the bill. 

"Furthermore, child marriages  are in complete violation of the rights of children, and international obligations, and goal 5 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals focuses on gender equality and includes a target to end child marriage by 2030."

The Power of Active Listening

jesus Christ was very busy in His earthly ministry , but He took the time to listen , the Crossmap website reports today (June 5, 2025). 

At the pool of Bethesda, He asked the paralytic, "Do you want to get well?" When His friend Lazarus died, Jesus listened to Mary's and Mrtha's words of disappointment and grief, and wept with them. When the blind beggar Bartimaeus called out to Him, Jesus stopped and asked, "What do you want me  to do for you?" Jesus recognized the importance of looking into someone's eyes and learning their perspective. 

Jesus also experienced the frustration of not being heard. Everywhere He went, large crowds gathered to hear His words. Few, however, actually heard the message from His heart.

Hearing and seeing and understanding can only be accomplished when we actively listen . It cannot be done while multi--tasking. Active listning requires that we care enough to stop what we're doing and focus. Close the laptop. Quit scrollling. Take out the earbuds. We need to look into someone's eyes, read their body language, and lisen for the story behind their words.

One way to remain focused on the speaker is by asking clarifying. questions, such as "What I'm hearing you say is ... or "How did you feel when that happened?" When we tune in and actively listen, the person speaking will feel seen and heard and understood -- and loved!

Report::Bible Reading and Welcoming Churches Are Key Factors in People Coming to Faith

A new report by the Evangelical Alliance (EA) has found that reading the Bible and experiencing   a welcoming  church are two of the most common reasons why people become Christians, the Christian Today website reports today (June 4, 2025).

The new repor, "Finding Jesus: Identifying Pathways to Faith in Adulthood," draws on the experiences of 280 adults who came to faith  in the last five years. 

For many respondents, a deep dissatisfaction with life was the trigger for their faith journey -- over a third (37%) said they had needed help with life at the time of turning to Christianity, while a similar proportion (34%)were looking for meaning. 

People from low incomes were most likely to cite the positive actions of Christians towards them. 

Rachael Heffer, co--lead researcher of the Finding Jesus project, said: "We are witnessing lives being turned  around and church growing as a direct result of people being more open to the Christian faith, asking big questions, reading the Bible, and seeing God transform their  lives."

"The challenge of the church is how to welcome and nurture the many people coming through our doors!"

Christian Nationalism Now Pervading U.S.

Considerable effort has been expended to paint many people of religious faith (particularly Evangelical Protestants and conservative Catholics) as seeking to run  roughshod over our precious First Amendment religious liberty protections and safeguards, the Christian Post website reports today (June 3, 2025).

This is nothing more than a political scare tactic, seeking to elevate certain fringe groups to a level of influence they do not have, and God willing, never will have. 

On the contrary, the vast majority of Evangelicals, conservative Catholics, and other people of faith believe it is their obligation and duty to bring their faith convictions to bear on the moral issues of the day and to seek to influence their fellow citizens to do the "right thing" in terms of public virtue. 

Aftr all, America has been a faith--based country from the beginning. This has been our tradition  and heritage from the Pilgrims onward. 

Critics and analysts deride conventional Christian conservatives as Christian nationalists. There are, by this definition, tens of millions of Christian nationalists. Sometimes, even civil religion,  with its homage to a vague deity, is labeled Christian nationalism.

Christian nationalists sometimes sport paraphernalia with American flags draped around the cross. These folk religionists usually aren't aware they are Christian nationalists. They don't have articulated policy agendas, just an attitude that God and country should be interchangeably honored. 

Franklin Graham Urges Evangelicals to Share Good News of Jesus

Evangelist Franklin Graham has urged evangelicals to "take advantage of the moment" by boldly proclaiming the good news of Jesus to migrants finding refuge on the continent of Europe, the Christian Daily website reports today (June 2, 2025). 

Graham took time to speak about the issue during the European Congress on Evangelism hosted by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association taking place this week in Berlin, Germany.

 The United Nations high Commissioner for Refugees states that "Europe remains among the regions with the highest number of displaced people globally." Speaking about the issue, Graham pointed out that many of these refugees have homes and land left behind when they fled situations such as war and poverty.

 He pointed out that these displaced people would likely return to their origins eventually and that presents a limited timeframe for European  evangelicals to reach them with the urgent message of the gospel.

We Need to Stop Being Angry Often

 Anger is a common and often intense  emotion that is characterized  by feeling of frustration, friction, annoyance , or conflict with another person, event, or situation, the USA Today website reports today (May 31, 2025). 

Although a lot of us think of anger as a limiting or mostly negative emotion, there are times it can be useful. "Anger can be helpful when it signals that something isn't right or needs to change ," says Raymond Chip Tafrate, a clinical psychologist and professor at Central Connecticut State University and co--author of "Anger Management for Everyone: 10 Proven Strategies to Help You Control Anger and Live a Happier Life."

Anger can reveal a problem that needs to be solved, motivate you to make a needed change, or push you to have a tough conversation. Think of becoming mad at a healh condition like obesity and deciding to tackle it, participaing in a public protest to affect social change, or getting the courage to approach a friend or colleague to insist their treatment of you or others improve.

At the same time, "anger can become a problem if it happens too often, is too intense, or lasts too long," says Tafrate. And there's a big difference between anger helping motivate you to have a hard conversation in the first place and approaching someone in a state of anger instead of with measured words or behaviors. 

We get upset about injustices in the world, poor treatment toward ourselves or others, the stressors of everyday life, or concerns over one's social, physical, or financial standing. 

Genetics may also play a role. Many people are born with a more negative nervous system that can make them more prone to respond negatively to perceived threats . Genes can also affect how we manage our emotional responses more generally.

Learning to control and manage anger can help you avoid hurting yourself and others, and keep you out of trouble and embarrassing situations. It's also not good for your body to too often experience the flood of stress hormones associated with anger. 

We Need to Follow Christ in How We Speak

 Communication is one of the major building blocks that contributes towards building a strong relationship and helps us connect better with those around us, the Crossmap website reports today (May 29, 2025). 

The best person we can learn from on how to be an excellent communicator is God. We can look up to Him for wisdom. When we study the life of Christ, we can see that He understood the importance of speaking with compassion. The Lord we serve is compassionate,gentle, patient, kind, forgiving, and loving.

Christ followed the Father's commands. He lived in obedience to the Father, and in all He did. He glorified God, including His speech. Christ is the perfect example we should follow. 

As Christians, we should take time to think before we speak and we should also be mindful of"how" we say things. Our tone and body language make a big difference when it comes to conversing with others and can affect how people receive the information we give them. We can have the right things to say, yet our approach at times can hinder a peson from accepting our wisdom.

Christ followed the Father's commands. He lived in obedience to the  Father, and in all He did. He g;lorified God, including His speech. Christ is the pefect example we should follow. 

Franklin Graham: Evangelize and Obey God Despite Hardships

 Evangelist Franklin Graham opened the European Congress on Evangelism on May 27 with a passionate call for Christians to preach "the whole gospel" without compromise, "warning that a secularized and confused world will not be reached by a watered--down message." the Christian Daily website today (May 28, 2025). 

"These are our orders." he told 1,000 evangelist leaders from 56 countries. "Let's preach it with power." 

The opening session of the four--day event saw heartfelt worship led by German bocalist Sarah Kaiser, musical artist Charity Gayle, and pianist Huntley Brown. The Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Ably Ahmed Ali, also made a guest appearance to encourage attendees at their congress in their faith. 

Reinhardt Schink, a leading board member of the Evangelische Allany Deutschland (German Evangelical Alliance) gave a special welcome to delegates who watched a visual  media presentation of the history of the gospel in Europe. He recalled how a message of  hate emanated from Berlin with the rise of the Nazi party in 1935, "as we Germans exalted ourselves over other people and also over the living God."

"But with this Congress," added Schink, " a message of life and peace will now be sent out from Berlin to Europe. This message must be heard because it is the one life--changing word of God. It's good news to all mankind. It's just Jesus."

Israeli Embassy Staffers Killed in Antisemitic Attack in D.C.

 Christian leaders and advocacy groups in the U.S. have offered their condolences after two Israeli Embassy staffers were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.on May 21, the Christian Post website reports today (May 24, 2025). 

The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were identified by the Times of Israel as a  "couple about to be engaged."

The shooting happened at an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. The attack appeared to be religiously motivated, as the 30--year--old suspect, Elias Rodrigues of Chicago, reportedly shouted "free, free Palestine!" while in custody.

The shooting comes  at a time of concern over antisemitism in the U.S. following the Oct. 7, 2023 terror attack in Israel perpetrated by the Hamas terror organization and ensuing Israeli military offensive in Gaza. 

Religious leaders expressed solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people as they mourned the loss of the Israeli Embasssy staffers.

7 Killed in Mexican Church Event; Suspected Cartel Attack

 Seven young people in Mexico were fatlally shot by gangsters while attending a Catholic festival in the state of Guanajuato, the Christian Today website reports today (May 23, 2025).

On the morning of May 19, a  group of gunmen -- believed to be from the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel -- drove into the middle of town and started shooting at those attending the Catholic festival.

Open Doors placed Mexico at 31 on its 2025 watch list of the worst countries for persecution, ahead of some Islamic and communist countries.

While on the face of it a Christian counrtry, the scourge of gang violence means that many ordinary citizens  -- regardless of their faith -- can be the targets of gang violence.  Faith leaders who openly oppose the gangs  face  the real danger of abduction and/or  murder.

The Episcopal Conference of Mexico said of he festival shooting that people "cannot remain indifferent in the face of the spiral of violence that is wounding so many communities."

The local archbishop, Jaime Calderon, said he believed the attack was part of a gang war between Santa Rosa   de Lima and a rival cartel known as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. 

Open Doors suggests the following prayer for the situation in Mexico:

"Heavenly Father, thank you for our brothers and sisters in Mexico, and for their courage in standing up to the violence and crime that is so rife in the country. Strengthen them and fill them with Your Holy Spirit; give them the right words to say as  they continue to stand against injustice. 

"Protect believers from being recruited by criminal gangs and bring an end to the hold that these groups have over the nation. Help believers from indigenous backgrounds to find safe places to meet and worship -- may their testimonies shine Your light in dark places, Amen."

Extreme Heat Hits Central and Southen U.S.

 Summer temperatures arrived earlier in the U.S. this year, affecting millions of people in Central and Southern states, the USA Today website   reports today (May 22, 2025).

The National Weather Service said more high heat and humidity are in store for the next few days.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data shows 2025 already has a 39% chance of being the second--warmest year on record, behind 2024, and a 3% chance of being the warmest year on record. There is a greater than 97% likelihood that 2025 will be one of the five warmest years on record, NOAA said.

According to research released by the European Copernicus Climate Change Service, the global average temperature for April 2025 was 1.08 degrees Fahrenheit above average -- 0.13 degrees warmer than the previous record set in April 2024.

Now and in the coming days, a heat dome will keeep temperarures 15 to 20 degrees above average, well into the upper 90s and triple --digits. The National Weather Service issued heat advisories for aeas in Texas that stretch  from the Texas Hill Country and the Rio Grande to the state's east coast.

Who Is Jesus?

"Jesus and His dsciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way He asked them, 'Who do people say I am?'" (Mark 8:27), the Crossmap website reports today (May 21,2025).

After Peter had spent so much time with Jesus, he became familiar with who Jesus was, so he never was fitting to Jesus' question. "You are the Messiah. It wasn'e the right time for everyone to know who Jesus fully was, even though the whole time He was on earth. He was revealing the Father of God. Was it a big surprise? The fullness of the glory of God was revealed in Jesus after He died on the cross. Jesus became our Messiah. He won the victory over sin  and became the exalted Son, who sits at the right hand of God.

The one thing about our identity that we should never forget is that God tells us who we area and calls us His sons and daughters. We are a new creation because of Jesus. and belong to God's Kingdom.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here.

Pakistan Has Record Number of Blasphemy Cases

A rights watchdog chronicled a record 344                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 4                            new blasphemy caes in Pakistani in  2024 ,highlighting  an ncreasaed abuse of the country's  condemned blasphemy laws,

 the CHristian Daily webbsite reports today (May17, 2025).

Of the 344 new blasphemy cases70 percent of  the  accused were Muslims, 6 percent were CHristians, 9 percent  Hindus,  and 14  percent Ahmadis, according  to the Annual   Human   RIghts Observer  report.

"The . blatant weaponization of blasphemystatues, which relates to disrespect of holy personages,  including the family, wives and companions      of Islam's prophet, Muhammad, and  the four caliphs, and is punishable wirt h up  to 10 years in prison, was the most used  section. Last year, 128  people were charged under this section.

"The next most frequently abused provision  was SECTION 295-A  (hurting  of religious sentiments) with 106 reported cases,"         the report noted. 

Sections 295B (-Desecration of  the Quran) and 295-C  (disrespecting MuHammad) were also often used, leading   to 62 individuals acccused  across various regions of Pakistan,  the  report noted.

Punjab Province recorded the highest numbeeof blsphemy --related accusatons , accounting for 62percent                                                                                                                                       of the totqal cases.

Pakistan, whose population is more  than 96 percent Muslim, ranked eighth on Open Doors 2025 World Watch List of the most  difficult places t o be a  Chrisrtian.                                                                                                                                                

Pope Leo XIV's First Mass Sends Message of Faith

Newly selected Pope Leo XIV delivered his first papal homily in the Sistine Chapel, sending a bold  and unmistakable tone for his pontificate, the Christian Today website reports today (May 15, 2025). 

His message: Reclaim an authentic vision of Jesus Christ or risk living in a state of "practical atheism."

It was a powerful and sobering reflection, rich in theological depth and pastoral concern. 

The pope cautioned against the growing trend  -- both outside and within the Church -- or reducing Christ to a mere moral leader, charismatic figure or inspirationall role model. 

He went on: "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God: the one Savior , who alone reveals the face of the Father. In Him, God in order to make Himself close and accessible to men and women, revealed Himself to us in the trusting eyes of a child, in the lively mind of a young person and in the mature features of a man, finally appearing to His disciples after the resurrection with His glorious bidy." In those few words, Pope Leo XIV not only identified one of the gravest spiritual challenge of our age, but also called the Church to radical fidelity and renewal. 

Leo's election came as a surptise to many . Born Robert Francis Prevost, he is an American by birth and a Peruvian citizen by ministryhv, having served the Church in Latin America for nearly a decade. An Augustinian by formation and the former head of the Dicastery for Bishops, he brings a blend of deep intellectual grounding and pastoral sensitivity to the Chair of St. Peter. 

Leo's homily was not a political address or a gentle overture. It was a call to arms for the Church to be what it claims to be:: the living Body of Christ in the world. His emphasis on faith  as a personal, daily journey -- rather than an abstract belief system -- speaks directly to a generation increasingly disenchanted with institutional religion, but still yearning for spiritual truth.

The Future of the Church Isn't Dying -- It's Rising

Headlines shout that faith is fading. Churches are closing. Trust in institutions is crumbling. Many predict a future without God. Yet beneath the  surface, a quiet revival is stirring, the Christian Post website reports today (May 14, 2025). 

Belief in Jesus is not fading --it's surging and the next generation is leading the way. 

A new study frrom Barna's State of the Church 2025 initiative reveals something remarkable : two--thirds of American adults -- 66% -- now say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that remains important in their lives. That's a 12--point surge since 2021, when commitment levels reached a 30--year low. 

In just four years, approximately 30 million more Americans have chosen to follow Jesus. 

Millenial men have surged by 19 points. For the first time in modern history, young men are outpacing young women in spiritual commitment, flipping a trend that held firm for decades. 

This is not a fad. It's a profound awakening.

Spiritual hunger is growing, but  belief alone is not enough. This generation needs spiritual guides who will walk wih them beyond decision into lifelong devotion. 

 If we don't guide this generation now, we risk leaving them trapped in silent  pressure, searching for relief that only a real connection with Christ can bring. 

The most effective way to defend our faith today is by multiplying disciple--makers and expanding our reach exponentially. 

We are witnessing a renewed hunger for belonging , meaning and purpose -- but hunger alone diesn't nourish. Belief must be formed into conviction. Conviction must be shaped into character. Character must be anchored in truth.

The future of the church isn't dying -- it's rising . But it will not rise by accident. It will rise because ordinary believers chose to build, to guide, and to give their lives away.

Southern Baptist Membership Declines for 18th Year, but Baptisms See Uptick

 Southern Baptist membership has declined for 18 years, but baptisms have seen an encouraging uptick, the Christian Daily website reports today (May 13, 2025). 

Membeship in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has fallen for the 18th consecutive year, with total membership now at 12,722 -- the lowest reported since 1974 -- according to new data released April 30. 

Desite the decline, the SBC recorded more baptisms in 2024 than in any year since 2017, marking the fourth straight year of growth in baptisms  and signaling renewed momentum in evangelism and outreach. 

Lifeway Research, which compiles the SBC's Annual Church Profile (ACP) in cooperation with Baptist State  Conventions, reported a 2 percent drop in membership from 2023 to 2024. That equates to a net loss of 259,824 members. The latest figures follow a 1.8 percent decline the previous year  and 2.9 percent drops in each of the two years prior. 

"The largest portion of membership declines come from churches acknowledging that certain members are gone for good and removing their names. Other drops come from churches that close or leave the Convention," said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. 

Weekly Church Attendance Neds to Be the Norm

 Weekly church attendance should be the norm, the Christian Post website reports today (May 11, 2025).

The goal of church leaders should be moving church members to weekly attendance. The core has declined from 31% of Americans to 25% . The effects of a six--point decline are major. These members who attend weekly are your church's most faithful volunteers , givers, and inviters. 

The monthly attendees were called capricious. They are difficult to predict. Some will return to more frequent attendance, while others will move to less--frequent categories. Their numbers are the smallest of any of the categories (10% and 7%) because they usually don't stick here. They could move to higher commitment or lower commitment on a whim. It is important for church leaders to identify the Capricious to encourage them toward higher commitment. 

Both the casual and conditional attendees are really church dropouts. The Casual will most likely attend Christmas Eve service, the most likely time these persons will attend. 

The Conditional will only come to church typically with some life--altering event. What was the day that more conditionals came to church in recent history? It was Sept. 16, 2001, the first Sunday after the 9--11 attacks. 

The closed never go to church. Their attendance is rare. Many of them are second and third--generation unchurched people. Closed grew the fastest from 2008 to 2024,a full 14 percentage points. 

The local church is God's plan A for His mission on earth, and He did not leave us a plan B.

Weekly worship attendance should be the norm for Christians. It's just that important. 

 

5 Things to Know about Pope Leo XIV

 Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was named the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church , choosing the name Pope Leo XIV, the Christian Today website reports today (May 10, 2025). 

Here are five things to know about Prevost, specifically his background and his views. 

1. He is the first American pope.

Pope Leo XIV is the first pope in the United States of American history. According to the College of Cardinals Report, he was born in Chicago, Illinois on Sept. 14, 1955. He graduated from Villanova University in 1977 with a baachelor of science in mathematics. In 1982, he graduated from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago with a master of divinity. That same year, he was ordained a priest. 

2. He has spent considerable time in Latin America.

He received a licentiate in canon law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, Italy, in 1984 and a doctorate in canon law from the same institution three years later. From 1985 to 1986, Leo XIV engaged in ministry work in Chulucanas, Peru. From 1988 to 1998, he served as a community prior, formation director , and professor in Trujillo, Peru. After returning to the U.S. for over a decade, the pope moved back to Peru in 2014, where he became the apostolic administrator of the Roman Catholic Diocese at Chiclayo, Peru. In 2023, he was appointed president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

3. He opposes female deacons , and has mixed views on LGBT issues. 

Leo XIV has expressed opposition to ordaining female deacons and has an unclear position on blessings for same--sex couples. 

In remarks delivered in 2023, Prevost stated that "clericalizing women doesn't necessarily solve a problem, but might make a new problem."

In a 2012 address, the Bishop Prevost expressed concern about promotion of "sympathy for beliefs and practices that contradict the Gospel in Western culture." He cited the "homosexual lifestyle" and "alternative families made up of same--sex partners and their adopted children"  as examples. 

4. He has expressed concern about Trump's immigration policies.

Prevost is shown in a 2018 screenshot condemning the Trump administration's  policies separating llegal immigrant children from their parents or guardians.

5. He has faced allegations of not responding adequately to sex abuse allegations.

The publication InfoVaticana reported on a March 2024 letter to Pope Francis. It maintains that during his tenure as Bishop of Chicago, the future pope "took no action"  against a priest who sexually assaulted three minors. The diocese of Chicago paid $150,000 for abuse victims who accused Prevost of covering up the abuse. 

History Is Made with Pope Leo XIV; First Ever Pontiff from U.S.

 Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost today  (May 8,2025) became the first ever pope from the U.S. , a surprise selectopm by 133 cardinals from across the globe on the second day of the papal; conclave in Rome,the USA Today website reports. 

The new pontiff, who took the name :Leo XIV, greeted the thousands 0f exuberant faithful and onlookers, many overcome  with emotion as he spoke from the red velvet--draped central balcony of St. Peter's Square.  

"Peace be with you all," he told the cheering crowd in fluent Italian. Leo, who became the church's 267th pope, also spoke in Spanish in his brief address. 

Leo, 69, who was born in Chicago, was not one of the names mentioned frequently as top contenders to replace Pope Francis, who died April 21. 

He had attracted interest from papers because of his quiet style and backing of  Francis' 12--year papacy, especially his devotion to social justice issues. He is considered a centrist, so perhaps a compromise choice, but is not seen as welcoming in the LGBTQ+ comminity as Francis. 

Just an hour earlier before Prevcost was named pope, the crowd, many of whom had stood to watch for hours with eyes glued to the Sistine Chapel chimneys, roared in elation as white smoke poured into the sky and bells tolled across the plaza, signaling the new leader of the church's 1.4 billion members. 

Leo attended Villanova University and Catholic Theological Union in Chicago before earning a doctorate in cannon law from Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

The Relationship between Ethics and Religion

The relationship between ethics and religion is a complex and varied one, with many different opinions and interpretations, the Ethics Sage website reports today (May 7, 2025). 

Religion often provides the framework for ethical belief and behacvior, as it outlines a set of standards for living a moral life. Religion can be used as a source of authority to provide guidance on how to act in a certain situation, and it provides a code of conduct to adhere to. 

On the other hand, ethics can also be seen as a way to provide an objective set of rules and principles to guide religious behavior, as well as a way to evaluate the moral implications of certain actions. All in all, the relationship between ethics and religion can be seen a a  two--way street, whereby each influences the other in order to promote morality and ensure our actions adhere to a certain set of standards. 

Religion has been a cornerstone of moral values in many societies for centuries. From the Bible to the Quran, religious texts provide guidance on how to lead a moral life. 

While ethics is based on a set of philosophical principles, religion is often based on divine commandments or teachings. Despite these differences, many religions share some core ethical values, such as respect for life, love for one another, and honesty. 

Religion provides a framework of  beliefs and values which, in turn, define ethical principles. These principles are then embedded in the culture, influencing the way people think and behave.  

Church Must Preserve Society in Time of Crime and Corruption

If the Church exists and is present in society, why is there so much criminality?, the Christian Daily website asks today (May 6, 2025).

Have we asked ourselves why crime, corruption, injustice,, and evil continue to thrive around us? Could it be because we are living in overwhelming darkness and moral decay?  

All violence and crime impact people's lives, as well as the well--being and peace of mind of families -- and therefore, also the believers who are part of the population.

Every one of us -- regardless of economic status, religion, social backfround, race, or culture -- is exposed to the growing danger of delinquency and criminality. These forces are rapidly escalating and contributing to the rise of a culture of death in our society. The proposals and measures implemented by gocvernment -- even in cooperation with all branches of the state -- are often ineffective and, at best, insufficient. 

In light of the Holy Scriptures, the Church has a role to fulfill on this earth. Analysts must look beyond the social causes of inequality, injustice, and exclusion to grasp the full nature of the human being, who is not only physical but also spiritual. 

Violence and crime originate in the sinful nature of human beings, which then take root and grow within the unjust structures of society. In this sense, the Church must engage in the spiritual and moral discernment of criminal behavior in order to offer a viable comprehensive solution to the problem of crime. 

We are called to proclaim the way of freedom as the transforming message of the good news of redemption in Christ, with the clear and powerful anointing of the spirit. Through this message, people might turn from their sins and repent -- being reconciled with God and with one another. 

Trump Seeks Huge Spending Increase on Border, Deportations

President Donald Trump wants to boost the nation's border security budget by nearly $44 billion, for one year only, the USA Today website reports today (May 4, 2025). 

The proposal would raise the Department of Homeland Security budget by two--thirds to $107 billion, from $65 billion, for fiscal year 2026. 

The one--time funding surge would enable DHS to pay for the President's planned deportation campaign, build border fencing, modernize the Coast Guard fleet, and enhance Secret Service operations. 

The proposal would at the same time cut funding for programs that support vulnerable migrants  or make investments in migrants' home countries to create the economic and security conditions that would encourage them to remain.  

It cuts or eliminates funding for programs that resettle refugees, places unaccompanied minors with sponsors, provides emergency shelter to migrants and for USAID, the State Department entity that funds programs overseas.  The president's proposal is a request; Congress holds the power of the purse to appropriate money to fund the government. 

DHS is the umbrella agency for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection -- two agencies that are key to Trump's deportation and border security agenda. 

"ICE, CBP, and other agencies have consistently felt underfunded for the missions they are allocated with," said Colleen Putzel--Kavanaugh, associate policy analyst with the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. "For mass deportation, ICE has said it doesn't have the resources to do it."