Thursday, February 12, 2026

Canada's Deadliest School Shooting Leaves 10 Dead. over 25 Injured

Canada's deadliest school shooting ever leaves 10 dead and over 25 injured, the Christian Post website reports today (Feb.12, 2026).


A shooter opened fire at a high school in  western Canadaon Feb.10,killig at least nine people and injuring dozens before killing himself.The incident marks the deadliest schoolshooting in the country's history

The bodies were found inside Tumbler Ridge  School in British Columbia and another  two at a nearby residence, while a 10th person died while  being transported to a nearby hospitlal. according  to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Reuters reported.


The suspected shooter,described as a female in a dress with brown hair, but who is believed to be a teenage male who identified as transgender, was found dead from a self--inflicted injury in  the school, and police believe there are no additional suspects.


British Columbia Premier David Eby said officers were still notifying families of the victims and confirmed that trauma counselors would be sent to assist the community. 

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Most Americans Believe in God, but Many Rarely Attend Church

 Most adults in the U.S. believe in God and engage in some form of religious services, according to data from the Pew Research Center, the Christian Daily website reports today(Feb. 11, 2026).


The analysis, based on Pew's 2023--24 Religious Landscape Study,found that 83 of every 100 adults say they believe in God or a universal spirit. Of these, a majority express strong conviction:54 say they believe with absolute certainty,  while 21 are fairly ceertain. Another eight say they are not too certain or not certain at all. Sixteen  people say they do not believe in God or a universal spirit. 


In the scaled--down town, 44 people would pray daily,while 23 would pray weekly or monthly. Thirty--two would seldom or never pray.

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Why We Love God's Law

God's law is not a  burden --it is a gift,  the Crossmap website reports today (Feb. 10, 2026).


Scripture tells us that "the law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul" (Psalm 19:7). In a world filled with shifting values and moral confusion, God's commands stand as a steady light, showing us the way to live with wisdom, peace, and integrity.


God's law reveals His character. Every command reflects His holiness, His justice, and His love. When He calls us to purity, it is because He is pure. When  He calls us to compassion, it is because He is compassionate. To love His law is to love the heart of the One who gave it. 


God's law protects us. The boundaries He sets are not meant to restrict joy, but to preserve it. Like guardrails on a mountain road,His commands keep us from dangers we cannot always see and guide us toward the life He intends for us.


God's law leads us to Christ. The more we see God's perfect standard,  the more we recognize our need for a Savior. The law points us to the grace found in Jesus, who fulfilled it completely and offers us forgiveness when we fall short.


Loving God's law is ultimately about loving God Himself. His commands are expressions of His care, His wisdom, and His desire to draw us closer to Him. When we walk in His ways, we discover the freedom, joy, and peace that only God can give.

 



Monday, February 9, 2026

At Least 162 Executed in Nigeria

 At least 162 people were killed in Kwara state in Nigeria after residents rejected radical Islam, the Christian Post website reports today (Feb. 9, 2026). 


Gunmen attacked two villages, killing and abducting villagers over a 10--hour period.


President Bola Tinubu deployed an army battalion to the region following the violence.


Gunmen massacred and executed dozens of people in  two Muslim--majority villages in Nigeria's western Kwara state after residents refused to accept their extremist preaching, according to reports.


Gunmen arrived on motorcycles, tied many of the villagers' hands behind their backs, and executed them, witnesses said. The attackers also went house to house and opened fire, with some victims shot during prayer, and others burned alive,  the villagers said.


Nigeria's Defense Minister Christopher Musa confirmed that U.S.troops were in the country providing intelligence support, following a request from Nigeria's government.                                                              

Saturday, February 7, 2026

How to Overcome Greed

As Christians, we are familiar with Scripture's clear warnings about money, the Christian Today website reports today (Feb. 7, 2026). 


We are told that "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil"  (1 Timothy 6:10) and that no one can serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24, Luke 16:13).  Yet, despite knowing these truths, ,many of us still find ourselves desiring wealth and possessions. 


Desires often extend beyond what is necessary. They grow into the urge to accumulate more than we need "just in case,"to pursue comfort without sacrifice, or to display success and status.


Greed never satisfies (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Instead, it breeds comparison, envy, resentment,division, and injustice. It fuels conflict on both personal and global levels, leading people to hoard rather than share to protect excess while others go without. What begins as a reasonable concern can quickly become a distorted hunger that harms both  ourselves and others.


We are stewards, not owners, and stewards do not live for themselves. What they manage is entrusted to them for the good of others and the glory of their master (Matthew 25: 14--30). What we have,therefore, is not meant to be consumed for ourselves, alone, but to be used to bless others (1 Peter 4:10). Even in the Lord's Prayer,  the request for daily bread comes after the prayer for God's kingdom to come to earth-- reminding us that our provision is always tied to God's purposes, and that what sustains us is also meant to serve His kingdom (Matthew 6:9--11).


When we live this way, giving freely and stewarding faithfully,  it brings joy both to those who receive and to our own  hearts, and it becomes an offering that pleases God (Acts 20:35; 2Corinthians 9:7;Philippians 4:18).

Friday, February 6, 2026

Trump Backs Religion at National Prayer Breakfast

President Donald Trump saId "religion is coming back"in the United States and touted the administration's accomplishments for religious liberty, while attacking his political opponents during a wide--ranging speech yesterday at the National Prayer  Breakfast in Washington,D.C., the Christian Post website reports today (Feb. 6, 2026).


Trump opened his speech by dismissing concerns about the state of  his soul, given  comments he made last year that he "maybe not Heaven--bound," claIming  such remarks  were made in  jest and misinterpreted.

"I say, 'I'm never going to make it to Heaven.I just don't think I qualify. I don't think there's a thing I can do.' " 


"But all of these good things I'm doing, including for religion.You know religion is back now, hotter than ever before," he said.


Trump then said he has done more for religious freedom than other modern presidents,claiming most were either too neutral or actively hostile toward faith. He accused Democrats, especially, of opposing God.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

God's Passionate Pursuit of Our Hearts

 The entire Bible from Genesis 3 to Revelation 22:21 is a record of God's passionate pursuit of the human heart, the Crossmap website reports today (Feb. 4, 2026).


God has pulled out all the stops. He moved heaven and earth -- literally -- to win  us back,  to reestablish the  glory that was lost in the Garden


Jesus said "Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take  my yoke upon you, and learn from me,for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you  will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28--30)


Yet, easy and light are not words many of us would use to describe our faith journey.


God is pursuing us. Through the beauty of a flower in wintertime.The sun reflecting off the snow. The whisper of the wind. The love letters of His Word

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Taliban Legalizes Slavery, Cuts Women's Rights

The Taliban has formally legalized slavery under its interpretation  of Islamic law, the Crossmap website reports today (Feb. 3, 2026). 


The development is part of a broader tightening of extremist policies since the group regained control of Afghanistan.


The Taliban has codified rules that permit the taking of slaves under certain conditions, based on the strict interpretation of  Sharia.


Women and girls are especially vulnerable, as the regime continues to impose severe restrictions on  female education, employment, and movement. 


Human rights groups warn that this move could increase trafficking, forced marriages, and sexual exploitation.


International observers say Taliban's actions violate global human rights norms and further isolate Afghanistan from the international community.

Monday, February 2, 2026

World Watch List 2026: Syria among Worst 10 Countries for Christians

Persistent violence and instability have driven Syria back into the top 10 countries where Christians face the next severe persecution to Open Doors 2026 World Watch List, the Christian Daily website reports today (Feb.2, 2026).


Syria broke into the top 10 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian for the first time in nearly a decade in Open  Doors' 2026 World Watch List (WWL) as more than 338 million Christians worldwide faced high levels of persecution or discrimination last year.


"The intensity of persecution and discrimination continues to increase, with more than 338 million Christians worldwide (one in seven) facing high levels of  persecution and discrimination for their faith," the WWL report states. "This accounts for 8 million more people than last year."


Facing at least high levels of persecution or discrimination for their faith  are one in five Christians in Africa; two in five Christians in Asia; and one in 12 in Latin America.


With a surge of anti--Christian violence, Syria vaulted from No. 18 in 2025 to No.6 in the 2026 report.


Saturday, January 31, 2026

Church Construction Increases since 2022

New data from the federal government shows that spending on new cnstruction of churches and other houses of worship increased by 17 percent from  June 2022,the Christianity Today website reports today(Jan. 31, 2026).


This is the first serious rebound  in church construction in 20 years. 


Spending went up in 2022, 2023,2024, and 2025.The reasons for the rebound are unclear. Several consultants said that many of the expansions are "multipurposed space," including childcare facilities, coworking spaces, and coffee shops.

Thursday, January 29, 2026

theologyandsociety.blogspot.com

Put God First While You Can

The  will of God will never take you to where the grace of God will not protect you, the Christian Daily website reports today (Jan. 29, 2026). 


When you have faith in God you don't have to worry about the future. You just know it's all in His hands. You just go to and do your best.


God will supply every need of yours, according to His riches in glory in Christ.


If you have faith, nothing shall be impossible for you (Matthew 17:28).

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Pope Pleads for End to UKRAINE War

 The pope has urged all parties involved in Russia's war in Ukraine to hasten an end to the onflict, the Christian News website reports today (Jan. 27,2026).


As part of the Angelus prayer, he emphasized that ongoing Russian attacks have left civilians exposed to the harsh cold of winter.


"The protracted hostilities have serious implications for civilians," Pope Leo said.


"I urge everyone to intensify their efforts to end this war."


It comes as the first trilateral peace talks betweeen Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. have ended, with no breakthrough. 


The two--day talks held in Abu Dhabi finished while heavy fighting continues.


Ukrainian officials reported that recent air srtrikes targeted the country's  energy infrastructure, killing one person and injuring at least 35 others. 


President Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested a second round of talks could be held as early as next week, while  an American official said discusssions are set to resume on  Feb. 1.

Friday, January 23, 2026

Christian Leaders Warn of Threats to Holy Land

 The Senior Christian leaders in Jerusalem, have warned that outside political and ideological interference could be endangering the unity and survival of Christianity in the Holy Land, the Christian Today website reports today (Jan. 23,2026).


The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in the refgion said local individuals promoting "damaging


The warning comes amid growing concens among  Palestinian Christians  over Israeli policies, including land confiscation,settlement expansion,and pressure on church--owned property. Church leaders said these measures were accelerating the erosion of one of the world's oldest continuous Christian communities. They claimed that these efforts had received backing from "certain political actors in Israel and beyond" and warned that such support threatened Christian communities across wider Middle East.


The warning followed a recent report by the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem , which highlighted "threats to Christian heritage -- particularly  in Jersalem,  rthe West Bank, and Gaza, alongside issues of unjustified taxation -- are the source of ongoing concerns that threaten the  existence of the community and the churches."

Monday, January 19, 2026

Your Purpose by Modeling Jesus

Jesus had a purpose when he walked the earth :to heal and teach about the Kingdom of God,the Ccrossmap website reports today (Jan.19, 2026).


When the disciples did not want to be bothered with feeding the crowds, Jesus was determined, because feeding them was just part of His mission . The main gial was to love people and lead them to follow Him.


After finding five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus prayed over them and asked God to  bless t

Then Jesus took  the five loaves of bread and two fish,  looked up to heaven,and blesseed the food. He broke the loaves apart and kept giving them to the disciples to give to the crowd (Luke 9:16).


Jesus had a plan because He understood His purpose. He instrucrted the disciples tp dhave the people breqak up  into smaller groups.

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Then  He told His disciples , "Have them sit  in groups of about 50 (Luke:9:14).


Then, He broke the bread and fish and had His disciples distribute them. The result was an abundance of food: everyone was fed.and there were leftovers.


All of them ate as much  aS THEY WANTED. When they picked up the leftover pieces, thye filled 12 baskets (Luke 9:17).

Giving a plan to accomplish a goal, brings clarity, peace, and motivation to get started.

Friday, January 16, 2026

Christian Persecution at All--Time High

 A new report by the Christian charity Open Doors has highlighted which countries have the most extreme levels of Christian persecution worldwide,  the Christian Daily website reports today(Jan. 16, 2026).


The advocacy group said that Christian persecution was at an "all--time high"and that "Nigeria remains the globaL EPICENTER OF DEADLY VIOLENCEAGAINST cHRISTIANS. 


In 2026, more than 388 million Christians worldwide, or more than  one in seven, faced levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith, which the charity said was 8 million more people than last year.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Trump May Order More Strikes in Nigeria

President Donald Trump has said more U.S. strikes may occur in Nigeria due to attacks on Christians, the Christian Today website reports today (Jan. 14,2026). 


Despite being around 50 % Christian,more Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than all other countries combined .Accurate numbers are hard to come by ,but estimates vary from 3,000 and 7,000 killed last year.


Speaking to the New York Times,Trump suggesteed more U.S. strikes may occur in Nigeria.


The local partner for religious freedom group, RELEASE iNTERNATIONAL, RECENTLY WARNEED: "tHE INCREASE IN PERSECUTION STEMS FROM  THE UNCHECKED EXPANSION of jihadist groups, fuelled by ideological opposition to Christianity and Western  influence, alongside government inaction and inadequate security responses. "


The Nigerian government says it is doing what it can to address the issue,  but has been criticized for failing to see the  religious dimension to the killings.

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Jesus is with You in Every Moment

Jesus is with you in every moment, the Crossmap website reports today  (Jan. 13,2026).


We celebrate the sweet baby in the manger because He is the suffering Savior on the cross. and the risen Savior who defeated the enemy of our souls out of love for us.


After centuries of waiting, at just the right time, He stepped out of heaven into our broken world, and wrapped Himself into the most vulnerable package. 


He did this to rescue His beloved creation from the clutches of brokenness. 


After 400 years of silence from God, an angel tells Mary that God with us is about to happen.


God is in the midst of us.


Jesus walked through this broken world. 


He took on the sins of the world to obtain freedom for you and me.


He paid the price for every sin we have and will commit. 

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Women Now Leaving the Church Faster Than Men

Women have been leaving the Church at rising rates for more than a decade, the Chrisrtian Post website reports today (Jan. 11, 2026).


For years, men were the primary defectors, but foro the first time in history, women ae walking away even faster.

The pandemic accelerated the trend, and the numbers have not recovered. 


As "citizens of Heaven,"the Church is an embassy o our true home -- a place where we get to step inside eternity while still on earth.


The answer to disappointment or dysfunction is not to leave church altogether -- it's to reform it. Sometimes that means tough conversations, new boundaries, or new leadership.


In the chaos of modern life -- noise, information overload, endless choice -- we easily forget that life isn't just about us. God crafted a largeer plan for humanity, and the church is central to that plan.


The church is not just one part of our lives. It is the structure on which everything else is ordered. When that foundation collapses, everything else trembles with it.


The church is worth fighting for. There is no other way forward.

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Child Evangelism Says It will Reach 100 Million Children with the Gospel

 A senior leader of Child Evangelism fellowship (CEF) says the global Christian ministry is making steady progress toward the long--term goal of sharing the good news about Jesus with 100 million children worldwide, the Christian daily website reports today (Jan. of 2026).


 Fred Pry, CEF President of Administration, said the organization's expanding global workforce and volunteer base are positioning it to reach five percent of the 2025--2026 world's estimated two billion children. Pry made the comment in a New Year  2025-2026 update reflecting on the ministry's worldwide  outreach,  training efforts, and growth across the U.S.  and most countries around the world.


With 3,600 staff and hundreds of thousands of volunteers worldwide, we are well on the way to our long--term goal of sharing Good News of the Gospel with 100 million children, said Pry.


Founded in 1937 by Jesse Irvin Overtholtzer, it has grown into the world's largest evangelistic outreach to children, reporting that it reaches at least 25 million children annually across nearly every country.


Pry said, God is blessing the ministry of our education teams all around the world and our regional education directors who have been working hard this year to increase the number of teachers around the world and our regional education directors, who have been working hard this year to increase the number of teachers trained.



Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Coping with the Fear of Success

 We need to pray for our stress, and God will show us what is causing it,and that will work with Him to to eliminate it,  the Good News Line website reports today (Jan.6, 2026).


With a heart to share Christ and love people, we need to grow in our faith, learn to study the Bible, and heal from he wounds of life, and get answers to life's questions and encounter the love of God in a powerful way.


If you are afraid of success, it's time to start believing in yourself. The fear of being judged or feeling lonely is the main reason many people are too scared to succeed.


The fear of success can be difficult to cope with, but taking such steps as practicing relaxation strategies, challenging negative beliefs, and learning to tolerate distress can  help.

Saturday, January 3, 2026

U.S. Takes Conrol of Venezuela

 President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. carried out a decisive militay opeation in Venezuela early today (Jan. 3, 2026) which involved conrolled explosions and the deployment of aircraft in Caracas, resulting in the arrest of socialist leader Nicolas Maduroa and his wife, Cilia Flores,the Christian Post website reports.


Trump, who is at his Mar --a--Lago residence in Florida, announced the outcome of the incusion: "The United Sates of America has successfully carried out a large--scale strike against Venezuela  and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been , along with his wife, captured and flown out of the  country."


Delcy Rodiguez, the executive vice president of Venezuela, confirmed the information about the incursion and expressed the regime's condemnation of what she called an act of aggression.


Evangelical leaders in Venezuela and abroad reacted o the events with caution and calls for prayer.

Thursday, January 1, 2026

More Than a Million Australians Attend Church Weekly

New National Data suggests Australia's churches are continuing a gradual recovey in weekly attendance following the COVID--19 pandemic,the Christian Daily website reports today (Jan. 1, 2026). 


The findings,released through the inaugural local Church Pulse Check Panel, offer one of the most comprehensive snapshots  to date of church participation across the country and are intended to provide a consistent, long--term measure of congregational health as faith communities navigate ongoing cultural and social change.


The findings ae based on a nationwide survey of 1,005 million  local churches conducted throughout October and Novembe 2025, representing about 10 percent of all Australian  congegations across multiple denominations.


The results indicate an estimated 135 million Australians attend church services in an average week.