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 llaws, 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." 

Trump Seks 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 3, 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, all of these different agencies have consistently felt underfunded for the  missions they are allocated with," said Colleen Putzel--Kavanaugh, associate policy analyst with the Migration Policy Institute for Mass Deportation. ICE has said it doesn't have the resources to do it."

What the Bible Says about Boundaries

Boundaries have become almost a buzzword on the internet lately, the Crossmap website reports today (May 2, 2025). 

The person who best demonstrated boundaries was Jesus. He had clear boundaries with people in His life and throughout the Bible. We can see why boundaries are important, and even which boundaries are important.

The most obvious way the Bible puts boundaries on display is almost so obvious that it's easy to miss. God set the world in motion with boundaries. There is a law or a rule that the world follows. In the very beginning, God started by creating boundaries. 

"And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness" (Genesis 1:3--4). 

God set boundaries for day and night, and for land and water. He also set boundaries for us. He told us what we had rule over (Genesis 1:29) and what to eat and what not to eat (Genesis 2:16--17). 

Later in Scripture, God governs His people  and shows us how boundaries are meant to protect us and invites us into healthy relationships with Him and with one another. 

"God's story gives us clarity by showing us the boundaries that He has provided as a protection for women, children, and all in society. In the  law, God provides those boundaries for Israel as a community. The ceremonial boundaries taugfht them God's holiness. The moral boundaries taught them God's righteousness. The social/civil boundaries taught them the value of all in the nation."

Study: White Evangelicals Have Top Support for Trump's First 100 Days

According to a new poll, President Donald Trump and his policies have majority support  among white Evangelical  Protestants, even as nearly all other religious demographics have expressed reservations about some or all of his policies, the Christian Post website reports today (May 1, 2025).

Pew Research Center released a report on April 28 highlighting President Donald  Trump's approval rating among members of various religious denominations as the first 100 days of his second term in office come to a close. The data in the report is based on responses collected from 3589 Americans between April 7--13 and has a margin of error of 1.8 percentage points, 

Respondents include 496 white Evangelical Protestants, 351 white non--Evangelical Protestants, 220 black Protestants, 428 white Catholics, 201 Hispanic Catholics, and 1,079 religiously unaffiliated voters. Overall, Trump has an approval rating of 40% with the American public, while 59% disapproved of his job performance.

Among all Christians, Trump has a 51% disapproval rating and a 48% approval rating. The president boasts a 72% approval rating with this group. Trump has an approval rating of 51% anong both white, non--Evangelical Protestants, and white Catholics. Among all other religious demographics, more disapprove than approve of his presidency. 

Survey: Religiously Unaffiliated Now Outnumber Cath. and Protestants in Germany

For the first time in modern German history, more Germans identify as religiously unaffiliated than as Roman Catholics or Protestants, according to a new survey published by Weltanschauungen research group, the Christian Daily website reports today (April 30, 2025). The 2024 data reveal that 47%  of Germany's population -- an estimated 39 million people -- now consider themselves to have no religious affiliation. In contrast, the combined number of Protestants and Roman Catholics stands at 38 million, or 45% of the population.  

The shift marks a significant milestone in Germany's religious landscape and underscores the ongoing decline in membership among the country's two historically dominant Christian denominations

Over one million church members left the church in 2024.

Who Is Jesus?

 Jesus and His disciples 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 (April 29, 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 Messiah."  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. 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. 

People are very interested in asking the same question about who are you? They try to guess our identity and sometimes want to tell you who you  are. This is who you should be!

Who knows what makes your heart swing? Who can tell what makes you soar on the wings of eagles? 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. 

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

Chrisrtian Hope Is Different from All Other Hopes

 As Christians, our hope must be anchored in one person : Jesus Christ, the Christian Today website reports today (April 28, 2025).

You may have heard the Gospel before, but I'll ask you: Do you truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God? That He came to Earth, lived a sinless life, died on a cross, and rose again -- conquering death and ofering salvation and eternal life?

Jesus is the bridge from death to life. We were destined to eternal separation from God, but "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). 

Through Jesus, death is not the end. It's the beginning of eternity with God. 

Through Christ, the Kingdom of God has already begun here on Earth. When we place our hope in Him, His Kingdom lives in us (Luke 17:20--21). And that means we're not meant to turn away from the world's brokenness, we're called. 

We carry the hope of restoration, just as God does (Romans 8:19--21). And we must share it. 

Scripture says in Peter 3:15: "But in your hearts revere  Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have." 

Pope Francis Wanted a Small Funeral; He's Getting Fighter Jets

 Pope Francis specified in his last wishes he wanted a "simple" funeral "without particular decoration," in keeping with his aim during his papacy to eschew formalities and bring the Roman Catholic Church closer to the people, the USA Today website reports today (April 26, 2025). 

Security experts, however, say the operation to secure the pope's funeral in front of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City will be anything but uncomplicated and straightforward. It will be attended by dozens of religious and political leaders from around the world, including President Donald Trump, and thousands of ordinary worshipers. 

"This is what I would call a 'Grade A' event," said Dai Davies, former dividional commander in Britain's Metropolitan Police and Head of Royal Protection. Davfies' job was to keep the country's royal family, including the late Queen Elizabeth II, safe. 

Matteo Piantedosi, Italy's interior minister, told local media authorities are working on the assumption that about 200 high--profile visitors and their delegations will attend the funeral on April 26, along with a crowd of up to 200,000 well--wishers.

Pope Francis, like all popes for the last 500 years, was protected by 135 so--called Swiss Guards, whose striped blue, red, and yellow uniforms paired with a feather--topped black helmet belie their elite training in counterintelligence, close--quarters combat, and bomb disposal. According to the Corriere della Sera daily newspaper, they are getting subsrtantial backup for the funeral in the form of a tight security ring around the world's smallest country -- Vatican City measures just 0.19 square miles -- comprised of snipers with high--powered rifles on rooftops and specialist soldiers toting anti--drone bazookas that can disable unauthorized UAVs with radio waves. 

Rome's police chief, Marcello Fulvi, has said roughly 8,000 security agents will be on hand, including 2,000 uniformed police officers and another 1,400 plain--clothes ones who will patrol the basilica and other surrounding and nearby areas. 

Most U.S. Church Leaders Believe in Climate Change, But Rarely Discuss It

 A recent study shows that while most U.S. church leaders believe in human caused climate change , few regularly discuss the issue in their congregations, the Christian Daily website reports today (April 25, 2025). 

The findings were published March 25 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Journal in a study titled "Most Christian American Religious Leaders Silently Believe in Climate Change, and Informing Their Congregation Can Help Open Dialogue." 

The research showed that 90% of U.S. Christian leaders accept the scientific consensus on "anthropogenic climate change," the view that human activity is the primary cause. 

Yet, only half of the respondents reported discussing climate change with their churches, and just one--quarter said they had "mentioned  it more then once or twice." 

"U.S. Christians substantially underestimate the prevalence of their  leaders who believe in climate change," the report said. 

The survey sampled Christian leaders from major U.S. denominations. 

Those leaders who speak on climate issues are more likely to attend climate events and show "greater  willingness to discuss it with fellow churchgoers." 

How a New Pope Will Be Selected

Following the death of Pope Francis at age 88 on April 21, the office  of the pontiff will remain vacant until a successor is chosen and elected, the Christian Post website reports today (April 24, 2025).  

Francis served for 12 years, longer than predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, but less than half of the 26 years of t he late Pope St. John Paul II.

Matthew Schmalz, a professor of religious studies at the Roman Catholic Church--affiliated Holy Cross College in Worcester, Mass. , is a noted expert on Catholicism and the papacy. 

In an interview with the Christian Post, Schmalz explained the process for electing a new pope and shared his thoughts about potential successors to Francis and rthe future of the Catholic Church.

"A pope is elected in a conclave, which literally means a room that can be locked," Schmalz explained. "And so, they're locked away in the Sistine Chapel, and a pope, in order to be elected, needs a two--thirds majority of the eligible voting members of the College of Cardinals." 

After voting that many of the Cardinals appointed by Pope Francis "come from the margins of the Catholic world," he stressed how this means "many of the cardinals don't actually know each other that well before the conclave begins."

While Schmalz believes there won't be " a deadlocked conclave that would last for days and days," he anticipates that "it will be longer than most recent conclaves because many of the cardinals don't know each other that well."

How to Show Christlike Compassion in Everyday Interactions

In a world that often feels divided  and filled with chaos, showing compassion can seem like a small act, the Crossmap website reports today(April 22, 2025). 

However, when we choose to reflect Christ's love in our everyday interactions, we can create a ripple effect that transforms not only our own lives, but the lives of those around us. Chrisrtlike compassion is more than just a feeling  -- it is love in action, demonstrated through kindness, understanding, and selflessness.

Christlike compassion goes beyond sympathy. It involves not only feeling for someone in their suffering, but also helping where possible to alleviate their pain. Jesus demonstrated this through countless acts of kindness -- whether healing the sick, feeding the hungry, or comforting the brokenhearted. He didn't just recognize the needs of others. He took action to meet those needs.

One of the most powerful ways to show Christlike compassion is by listening with empathy. Jesus often took the time to listen to people, understanding their struggles and offering a kind word or healing touch. In the same way, we can show compassion by giving others our full attention and understanding when they speak. 

In James 1:19 we are reminded: "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." 

When we listen, we not only validate the emotions  of others, but also create an opportunity to offer support, whether through words or actions. 

Jesus demonstrated unconditional love and kindness without expecting anything in return. Whether He was washing His disciples' feet or healing  those  who had nothing to give, Christ's love was freely given. Showing compassion means extending kindness to others without waiting for recognition or rewards. 

This unconditional love is the heart of Christlike compassion. When we show love and kindness to others, we reflect the love Jesus showed us. 

Pope Francis Dies of a Stroke and Heart Failure at 88

 Pope Francis, 88, a humble reformer who sought to make the Catholic Church more inclusive and clashed with world leaders over the rights of immigrants, died Easter Monday, following a lengthy bout of double pneumonia, the USA Today website reports today (April 21, 2025).

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who oversees the pope's affairs, announced his death from Casa Santa Marta, where Francis lived at the Vatican. A funeral date has not been announced, but the Vatican said it would likely take place between Friday and Sunday. 

Francis died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure, Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli said in a death certificate released today. The certificate, which was published by the Vatican, said the pope had fallen into a coma before his death early that day. The Vatican also said Francis had relayed in a final statement his wishes to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. 

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," Farrell said in a statement on Vatican News.""At  7:35 this morning , the Bishop of Rome, Francis," returned to the house of the Father." 

The pope's death comes one day after a frail but determined Francis greeted thousands in St. Peter's Square after Easter Mass in his open popemobile -- and just weeks after an extended hospital stay during which he battled bilateral pneumonis and other health issues.

The pope, who shunned pomp and privilege and loved to be among the public. sat in a raised chair in the vehicle as people cheered "viva  il papa." He stopped at several places along the square, much to the delight of  the crowd. 

"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church," Farrell said. "He taught us how to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage , and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. As a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of God." 

President Donald Trump announced on social media that he and first lady Melania Trump will attend Francis' funeral. saying, "We look forward to being there!"

The Importance of Good Friday

 Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, is the Christian day to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus and His death at Calvary , the Christianity website reports today (April 19, 2025).

For Christians, Good Friday is an important day of the year because it celebrates what we believe to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation. 

On Good Friday, we remember the day Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins (1 John 1:1`0), Easter follows it, the glorious celebrartion of the day Jesus was raiseed from the dead, heralding His victory over sin and death and pointing ahead to a future resurrection for all who are united to Him by faith (Romans 6:15).

The name Good Friday is appropriate because the suffering and death of Jesus, as terrible as it was, marked the dramatic culmination of God's plan to save His people from their sins. 

Jesus' death on the cross was not the end, but rather the beginning of something new. Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered death and opened the way for eternal life for all who believe in Him. 

Churches Celebrate a United Easter This Year

The Presidents of Churches Together in England (CTE) have issued a joint statement celebrating the fact that this year Christians of all denominations will celebrate Easter on the same day and in honor of a formational meeting of the early church, the Christian Today website reports today (April 17, 2025).  

Due to their use of the Julian calendar,Eastern Orthodox churches nearly always mark  religious events like Easter at different times to Wesrtern Churches which use the Gregorian calendar. This year, however, a happy coincidence means that both calendars are in agreement about the date for Easter.

The statement by CTE was made in celebration of this fact and in recognition that 2025 marks the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicea.

The council, held in 325 AD, discussed setting a unified date for events such as Easter, but more importantly, laid some of the theological groundwork for determining some of the key beliefs of Christianity shared by all denominations. 

The Presidents of CTE include representatives of the Roman Catholic Church, Orthodox churches, Pentecostal churches, Lutheran and other Protestants. The Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury is also one of the presidents, but that position is currently vacant.

In their statement, they said, Often divided by our sins and arrogance, we now come together in unity, with one voice and one heart, as did those divinely --guided individuals seventeen hundred years ago to defend the Truth that has been entrusted to us. We come together to reiterate the message and ruth of Nicea."

"It is a special blessing from God that rthis year all Christians will celebrate Easter -- Pascha --on the same Sunday. We are empowered by this and we draw strength to face the realities of our divisions with a new hope of reconciliation."   

U.S. Senator Seeks to Make Easter Monday a Federal Holiday

 A  United States Senator has introduced legislation to make the day after Easter a federal holiday, so many families can more easily celebrate the Christian holiday together, the Christian Post website reports today (April 16, 2025). 

In a thread on X, Sen. Eric Schmitt, R--Mo., announced that he had introduced a bill that would make Easter Monday a federal holiday. His social media post came one week before Easter Monday, which falls on April 21  this year.

"81%  of Americans celebrate Easter," Schmitt wrote. "But our current holiday schedule makes it way too difficult for families to celebrate together."

Schmitt noted that "Easter falls on the longest unbroken work stretch of the calendar," adding, "March and April are the only back--to--back  months without a federal  holiday. This isn't a radical idea." 

He continued, "It's a federal recognition of a tradition that is central to Western civilization -- a tradition that's already recognized as a public holiday in nations across (and beyond) the West, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Western Europe." 

"It isn't even novel in America," Schmitt said of the idea of making Easter Monday a federal holiday. "We already have a 'National Day of Prayer,' signed into law by Missouri's own President Truman. A federal Easter Monday holiday allows Americans to celebrate the most extraordinary day in world history, Easter -- the day of Christ's resurrection." 

Church Safeguarding Is Rooted in Scripture

If anyone has doubts whether church safeguarding is firmly rooted in Scripture, today's Epistle reading from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer can dispel them, the Christian Today website reports today (April 15, 2025).  

The passage is from the Apostle Paul's New Testament letter to the Christians in the First century Philippi:

"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Jesus Christ: Who, being in very nature God, did not onsider equality with God something to be used in His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death -- even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every  tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:5 --11 NIV).

Shortly after the publication of her strongly critical report into Church of England safeguarding practices in February 2024, the former chair of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, Professor Alexis Jay, addressed the General Synod by video. 

She said: "Safeguarding in the Church today falls below the standard expected and set in secular organizations, which are required to follow statutory guidance." 

She called on the Church  to "challenge erroneous beliefs about safeguarding which continue to be held."

"For example, we heard from a number of people that safeguarding should be rooted in Scripture and that being a practicing Christian should be a prerequisite to holding a safeguarding role," she said.

The followers of Christ must take care to ensure that the inflated egos that led to abusive  behaviors are not allowed to flourish in their hearts and in their churches, Safeguarding is every Christian's responsibility.  

What Jesus' Sacrifice Teaches Us about Marriage

Jesus laid down his life  for us, in the ultimate act of selfless love, the Christian Post website reports today  (April 14, 2025).

He calls us to do the same thing in our marriages, too -- in dozens of ways every day. It is importqnt to remember that Jesus' posture of sacrifice is centrally one of love. 

That posture of loving humility and self--sacrifice is our template for how to love selfllessly in every part of our lives, but especially within marriage and family.

Remember the encouragement of Ephesians 5: "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himsaelf  up for us. a fragranrt offering and sacrifice  to God. 

Every day, you get up and choose to serve your spouse. Every day, you choose to respond to God's call to sacrificial love. Every day, you seek to love your spouse and others as Christ loved us. 

A lot of marriages have resulted in mutual hurt or selfishness. It's not uncommon for couples to fall short of God's call for mutual love, sacrifice, and respect -- but that's because we're all fallen, all broken. 

Despite our selfish, sinful nature, God loves us unconditionally. He has overcome both sin and death on our   behalf. This is the  powerful transformative hope and joy of Easter. We can follow Him. We can be healed. We can learn to love each other well and learn to accept His love. 

God gives us the power to break hurtful and sinful cycles of behavior, no matter how  impossible that might  feel. He has already made the ultimate gesture of sacrificial love, so that we can see it, know it, and embrace it in our lives. 

13 Southern Baptist Ethnic Leaders in U.S. Urge Trump to Show Compassion for Migrants

Thirteen Southern Baptist ethnic groups, representing 10,99 churches, have issued a joint statement on immigration calling for the Trump administration in the U.S. to show compassion for immigrants fleeing persecution, the Christian Daily website reports t oday (April 12, 2025). 

The leaders warned that current immigration policies are fueling fear even among those in the U.S. legally. with many too afraid to attend worship services or seek spiritual care in their local churches. 

Signatories shared the federal government's "desire to protect citizens, promote legal immigration and refugee policies, and robustly safeguard the country's borders," but "enforcement must be accompanied with compassion that does not demonize those fleeing oppression, violence, and persecution," as quoted by the Baptist Press. 

"As our greatest hope and courage can only be found in Jesus Christ, we also call on Southern Baptist pastors and church leaders to look for opportunities to share the gospel and care for immigrants and refugees." 

What Churches Learned 5 Years since COVID

Many churches closed down or have considerably shrunk in size since COVID--19, the Christian Post website reports today (April 8, 2025).

Reasons range from " church --goers are still scared to return," to "they prefer watching live feeds." But why have bold churches experienced tremendous growth? This issue is much deeper  -- it's crystal clear that people are hungry for the truth. 

When you lose intimacy with God , you lose boldness and the Spirit's fire. Return to Him and He will return to you. The strength of a church is in its purity and spiritual power, not in its numbers. God doesn't need a majority  -- He is the  Majority. Prayer can no longer be a footnote at the end of a sermon; instead, prayer and worship must guide the church in these critical times.  

Pope Remains in Hospital in Critical Condition

 Doctors have given Pope Francis a "guarded" prognosis as he continues to be treated in a hospital for double pneumonia, the Christian Today website reports today (April 6, 2025). 

The pope spent a ninth night in Rome's Gemelli hospital after experiencing an "asthma--like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity" on March 29.

Doctors treated the pope with high--flow oxygen and blood transfusions , and said he spent the rest of the day in his armchair,  as he remains "fatigued." 

"The condition of the Holy Father continues to be critical," says a  a statement from t he Holy See press office.

The statement continued, "Today's blood tests also revealed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions.

"The Holy Father remains alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he is more fatigued than yesterday. At the moment the prognosis remains guarded." 

One week ago ,doctors said they expected the pope to remain in the hospital all of t he coming week, and that although he is not "in danger of death, he is not completely out of danger yet. "

Who and "What" Is the Holy Spirit?

 The Holy Spirit is God and part of t he Trinity, the Crossmap website reports today (April 4, 2025). 

God is in three Persons. He is a blessed Trinity, and we worship Him as Father, as Son, and as Holy Spirit. All three Persons are God. They want to love and serve the Lord with all of their heart, soul, and might.

The Holy Spirit's main work is to manifest the active presence of God in the world, and especially in the church. 

In other words, He loves God's work in the world.

The Spirit is the One--in the Trinity -- who is most PRESENT  with us now. He is near. He is with us if we have trusted Jesus as Savior. 

The Holy Spirit purifies us and makes us more holy. 

The Holy Spirit unifies believers and churches. 

The Holy Spirit gives stronger or weaker evidence of God's presence and blessing as we respond to Him. 

Report: 10M Christians Face Deportation from U.S. under Trump Plan

 A new report by several Christian organizations warns that up to 10 million Christians could face deportation under proposed Trump administration policies -- raising concerns for families and churches across the U.S. -- the Christian Daily website reports today (April 2, 2025). 

"One Part of the Body: The Potential Impact of Deportations on   American Christian Families" is a  multi--agency report produced by the Center for the Study of Global Christianity, the National Asssociation of Evangelicals, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Migration and Refugee Services, and World Relief.

The report highlights that the Bible teaches that there is one body of Christ, which is "not made up of one part but of many" (Corinthians 12--13--14)and if one part suffers, every part suffers with it;" if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it" (verse 26). 

The authors note that immigrants that are "integral parts" of American churches, whether they have permanent legal status or not, are vulnerable to deportation. This puts millions of Christians at risk under President Donald Trump's pledge to carry out the largest deportation in history.

Survey: Most U.S.Christians Don't Believe in the Trinity

An overwhelming majority of American Christians reject the basic  Christian teaching of the Trinity, prompting new concerns that Americans are living without the influence of "the truths and life principles of God," the Christian Post website reports today (March 31, 2025).

The Cultural Research Center of Arizona Christian University released the latest installment of its American Worldview Inventory series which documents Americans' views on the Trinity. The research is based on responses collected from 2,100 adult sin January.

Overall, ,just 40%of respondents believe that God exists and affects people's lives. That figure rises to 53% among self--identified Christians, 60% among theologically--identified born--again Christians, and 100% among Integrated Disciples. The latter term refers to those who have a biblical worldview, while a majority of those surveyed (59%) believe in the existence of Jesus Christ, a significantly smaller share of adults (29%) believe int he Holy Spirit.

Slightly more than 1 in 10 respondents  (11%) believe in the Trinity, that the God of the Bible is "three distinct but inseparable and equal persons in one infinite Being."The peronsin the Trinity are God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. 

"These results are further evidence of the limited or lack of trust Americans have in the Bible, the limitations we place in the authority and influence of God, and over refusal to cooperate with God by living in harmony with His ways and purposes," said theologian George Barna in response to the survey results.

Pope Has Worst Health Crisis Ever; Returns to Vatican after Five-Week Hospital Stay

Pope Francis was released from Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he has been battling double pneumonia for the past five weeks, returning to the Vatican on March 23, where he will continue his recovery, the USA Today website reports today (March 27, 2025). 

The pontiff left the hospital shortly after he made his first public appearance in weeks, waving to people and giving thumbs up from a balcony. 

Now, the attention in the Vatican is on how the 88--year--old pontiff will lead the Catholic Church following the worst health crises of his papacy. 

Francis' convalescence will take place in the Casa Santa Marta, designed as a guesthouse primarily for cardinals taking part in conclaves. It is this guesthouse that is the backdrop for much of "Conclave," the recent movie on the drama of a papal transition. 

On Sunday, March 23, Francis was discharged from the Gemelli Hospital and made his first public appearance since being admitted on Feb. 14. As he was wheeled out onto the hospital balcony, the pope looked happy to be heading home, giving a thumbs up to the crowd.  

Noticing God with Heart, Soul, Mind , and Strength

 Modern technology has become a "superpower," making the sensation of skill and semblance of progress almost effortless, the Crossmap website reports today (March 25, 2025). 

Personalized algorithms allow us to shed the seeming inconveniences of effort , connection, and patience that engage our human personhood.

Jay Yikim has welcomed Andy Crouch, renowned author, thought leader, and partner for theology and culture at Praxis. Crouch has written several influential books on faithful Christian living, including Culture Making. The Tech--Wise Family, Playing God, Strong and Weak, and most recently, The Life We're Looking For. 

In their conversation, Kim and Crouch explore the unique ways in which modern "personalized" technologies are malforming our loves, desires, and sense of personhood. 

They discuss the unprecedented  "superpower" that technology grants us to experience the illusion of power without the burden of effort. They draw a strong connection between our ever--shortening attention spans and our common struggle to experience God's presence meaningfully every day.Our growing absence of personal discipline, coupled with waning relational connection, is informing a covert belief that following Jesus should be easy and require little day--to--day effort. Informed by Scripture and Christian history, Kim and Crouch encourage us to embrace God's grace by committing to simple, time--tested spiritual practices that will open us up to the activity and presence of God over time. 

Lonely People Need to Find True Friendship in Christ

 A recent survey by Opinium of 10,000 UK adults revealed a sobering one in 10 people have no close friends, and three in 10 feel lonely almost all of the time, the Christian Today website reports today (March 23, 2025). 

God is love. When He created us, He imprinrted His image -- love -- within us. Just as a sunflower instinctively turns toward the sun, our souls naturally seek the source of life.

The problem? Instead of turning to God from whom we can receive true and complete love, we often seek fulfillment elsewhere. 

We chase counterfeit versions of love -- relationships based on convenience, status, beauty, or wealth. And when these superficial connections crumble, the emptiness creeps back in, and the cycle of loneliness starts again. 

You know who can relate to this universal human experience of loneliness? Jesus. 

Betrayed by Judas, abandoned by His closest disciples, and left to face unimaginable suffering,Jesus knows the pain of rejection and isolation. 

Despite knowing He would be abandoned, Jesus showed unwavering love to the disciples till the very end. He humbled Himself , washing His disciples' feet, serving them with patience and grace . He didn't walk away when things got hard. Instead, He laid down His life -- because that's what true love looks like. 

Study: Half of Churches See Growth since COVID--19 Pandemic

 A recent study shows that around half of Protestant churches in the U.S. have experienced growth in worship service attendance since the end of the COVID--19 pandemic, the Christian Post website reports today (March 21, 2025). 

A report by Lifeway Research published March 18 found that 52% of surveyed Protestant congregations saw their worship attendance grow at least 4% over the past two years. 

The report also found that more growth was reported among Evangelical pastors than Mainline Protestant pastors , with 57% of Evangelical congregations reporting at least 4% growth versus 46% of Mainline congregations reporting the same. 

Additionally, 62% of Pentecostal congregations have seen at least 4% growth within the last two years, as well as 59% of Baptist congregations . By contrast, 43% of Methodist congregations and 37% of Lutheran congregations reported a growth of at least 4%. 

"Clearly, at least two years of attendance growth was aided by people returning to regular attendance after being away since the start  of the pandemic," said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, as quoted in the report.

Pope Looks to Christ at "Period of Trial"

 In his weekly Angelus address. Pope Francis gave praise to God as the one who never abandons us, even in times of severe trial, the Christian Today website reports today (March 19, 2025). 

The pope, who has been in Rome's Gemelli Hospital for over a month battling double pneumonia, said that he was facing a "period of trial" and noted that he was far from being the only person in the world faced with serious health issues. 

"Our bodies are weak, but even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving , praying, giving ourselves,  being shining signs of hope for one another in faith," he said. 

In his address, Pope Francis referred to the transfiguration of Christ, an event in which Christ shone with heavenly light while on a mountaintop with Peter and John, His disciples. While on the mountain, Jesus met with two figures from Israel's past, Moses and the prophet Elijah.

"Jesus immerses Himself in prayer and becomes radiant with light....In this way, Jesus shows  the disciples what is hidden behind the gestures. He performs in their midst: the light of His infinite love."

The pope called for His followers to "praise the Lord, who never abandons us and who, in times of sorrow, places people beside us who reflect a ray of His love."

More Than 50,000 Canadians Began or Restored Relationship with Jesus in 2024

 More than 50,000 people began or renewed their relationship with Jesus Christ after attending an evangelistic Alpha Canada course in 2024, according to the Alpha Canada Impact Report 2024, released on Feb.21, the Christian Daily website reports today (March 15, 2025). 

Last year saw a 13 percent increase in Alpha course attendance compared to 2023, with 119,981 participants of  whom 52,281 found Jesus for themselves. 

Shaila Visser, national director for Alpha Canada, called 2024 "a landmark year filled with research, new releases" in her introduction to the report. She highlighted Alpha Canada's partnership with the Flourishing Congregations Institute to study how Canadian church leaders engage in evangelism.

According to the report, 72 percent of leaders reported a marked increase in spiritual curiosity in their local communities. Visser said, "This openness is a testament to how God is stirring hearts across our communities." 

New Film Investigates the Truth about Miracles

For centuries, theologians, scholars, and everyday people have debated whether miracles still happen, the Crossmap website reports today (March 13, 2025). 

As people of faith, we would like to believe that someone's  cancerous tumor mysteriously shrinking overnight is a miracle, yet the scientific community quickly pumps the brakes on that  notion, pointing instead to obscure , unreliable research to support what cannot be explained. 

CBN News investigative journalist Billy Hallowell believes in miracles. Curious to know the inside story of people who have experienced a miracle, Hallowell recently embarked on a journey to discover exactly what happens to the affected people and find proof to support what the Bible says about these seemingly supernatural occurrences. 

In the new documentary, "Investigating the Supernatural: Miracles," Hallowell traveled around the U.S. cobbling together fascinating insights from scientific experts, theologians, and those who have experienced a miracle, to determine whether miracles are still happening today. 

A miracle is something that happens that we can't explain. It is something that is shocking, that is stunning, that is mesmerizing. We know the end result, but we don't know how we got there.

If we have hope and we understand Scripture, then we have to be open to God working in a way that might make us uncomfortable. We might not understand it. We might not even want to believe that it's still happening. And that's why a lot of people have issues with miracles, because it's so hard to get your head around. 

Christian Converts Sent from U.S. to Islamic Countries

Christian converts from Islam are among migrants from countries hostile to Christianity who have been deported from the United States -- initially to Panama, where they are isolated before possible deportation to their home countries -- the Christian Daily website reports  today (March 11, 2025).

At least 10 Christians from Iran were among more than 100 people put on a military plane to Panama, including migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, and Uzbekistan.

Locked in the towering Decapolis Hotel Panama in Panama City with about 340 other migrants flown from the U.S. on three military planes, a 27--year--old Christian woman from Iran scrawled "Help us" in lipstick on a window. The New York Times reported its reporter made contact with her and learned that she and her three children had been desperate to obtain help from the outside world. 

Authorities had seized their passports and deprived most of them of their mobile phones before they were locked inside the hotel, guarded by armed personnel and prohibited from seeking legal help. 

None of the migrants at the hotel has criminal records, the New York Times reported. 

Over 100 Christian Leaders Denounce Trump Cuts to Foreign Aid

A group of over 100 Christian pastors and social justice activists have signed an open letter denouncing the Trump administration's cuts to welfare programs, foreign aid, and large--scale deportations of immigrants in the country illegally, the Christian Post website reports today (March 9, 2025). 

Titled "Returning to Jesus, Practicing Lent in Our Time," the letter was the result of meetings among faith otganization at Georgetown University, headed by longtime Evangelical progressive  activist Jim Wallis, helping organize signatures and other logistics. 

"The massive  cutting of foreign aid  to those most in need, and from many faith--based organizations supplying it is a gospel issue for us that we must  speak to, despite dishonest, personal, and unprecedented government attacks now coming against faith--based service providers," the letter reads. 

"We must defend lifesaving international aid and humanitarian assistance that prevents hungry people from starving, keeps those in ill health from dying, and defends children and families lives from being destroyed." 

  

Trump Administration Plans New Travel Ban of "Red List " of Countries

The Trump administration is working on finalizing a travel ban that would prohibit citizens from a "red list " of countries from entering the U.S., The New York Times website  reports today (March 7, 2025).

The ban would fall under an executive order, signed by the president on Jan. 20, titled "Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Others," meant to address "national security and public safety threats." 

The order claims it will protect U.S. citizens from "aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes."

It gave Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Attorney Geneeral Pam Bondi, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard a deadline of 60 days from  the order -- in about two weeks -- to identify such countries and enact the ban. 

The draft identifies "red list" countries as Sudan, Venezuela, Somalia, Syria, Iran, Libya, Cuba, and North Koreato be barred from traveling to the U.S. Pakistan and Afghanistan are expected to be added to the list. 

It is unclear if those with valid visas will lose their permitted entry into the U.S.

American Society of Travel Advisors CEO Zane Kerby told "Travel Weekly" that "blanket " (entire country) travel bans constrain legitimate business and discourage friendly foreign visitors and "risk retaliation from targeted countries and their allies." 

Catholics, Orthodox Celebrate Easter on Same Date This Year

Christians around the world have been blessed with Easter celebrations being slightly different this year, the GBI website reports today (March 5, 2025). 

Millions looking to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ will mark the moment on April 20. In most years, Easter is often celebrated on different dates by Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians. 

Despite the Julian calendar falling 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, the Eastern Orthodox Church's 230 million members will mark Easter on the same date as other believers in 2025. The coincidental marrying up of dates last occured in 2017, with Christians needing to wait until 2034 for the same date to occur. 

 However, this year we will see Orthodox communities from Greece to Cyprus and Russia to Ukraine share festivities with those from Western denominations in Britain and the United States. 

 Millions of  Christians also welcomed the first day of lent on Ash Wednesday earlier today. 

US Christianity Increasinfg after Decades of Decline

A recent study reveals that since 2019, the percentage of Christians in the U.S. has remained between 60% and 64% , while the percentage of religiously unaffiliated individuals has plateaued, the Christian Daily website reports today (March 3, 2025). 

"Most studies of U.S. religion had previously shown steady declines in Christianity that began in the late 90s and accelerated in the 2000s,"  wrote Aaron Earls, senior writer for Lifeway Research. 

Since 2019, Christianity has hovered between 60% and 64%. 

Regarding the religiously unaffiliated, or "nones," the study indicates that "the nones have hit a ceiling after years of regular growth," according to Earls. "When asked their religious identity,  around 3 in 10 Americans (29%) say they are atheists, agnostics, or 'nothing in particular,'" Earls added. 

Theatre Triumph Brings Life of Jesus to Thousands

A large--scale theatrical production depicting the life , death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is taking the United States by storm, selling out major venues across the country in the lead--up to Easter, the Christian Today website reports today (March 2, 2025).  

"The Thorn," originally a small church play, has transformed into a breathtaking stage production, featuring more than 40 performers, including aerialists, dancers, actors,and musicians. 

With its unique blend of choreography, music, and cuting--edge visuals, "The Thorn" immerses audiences in the Gospel story in a way they have never experienced before. As creator John Bolin explains, the goal is to help people see "Jesus in a way they never have before" and to feel connected to Him on a personal level. 

Bolin's journey with "The Thorn" began in 1997 when he moved to Colorado Springs and volunteered as a youth pastor at New Life Church. Without formal training as  a preacher, he used his background in marketing and entertainment to engage young people through what he called "illustrated sermons" -- a mix of music, video, and choreography. 

Bolin continued staging "The Thorn" each Easter at New Life Church, drawing thousands of attendees year after year. 

As its popularity grew, "The Thorn" became an independent touring production, performing in large evangelical churches nationwide.

However, it came to a halt during the COVID --19 pandemic. 

 When Bolin reached out to churches in 2021, they all declined. 

Bolin said, "I honestly think God was at work in that ."

With no guarantees of success, Bolin and his wife took an enormous personal risk, taking out a $500,000 loan to fund a tour in performing arts centers. 

They booked 10 venues and handled all the productions themselves. Nearly every show sold out. "That was the beginning of a new chapter and what we see as a miracle," Bolin said. 

Trump, Zelensky in Heated Discussion in Oval Office

 Volodymyr Zelensky got a warm welcome in Europe today (March 1, 2025) as leaders across Europe rallied to his defense on the heels of an extraordinary Oval Office clash yesterday in which President Trump accuses the Ukrainian leader of "gambling with World War III," the NPR website reports. 

Britain Prime Minister Kier Starmer told t he Ukrainian president that he has "full backing across the United Kingdom." 

Meanwhile, many of Europe's leaders pushed back against the Trump administration's perceived alignment with Russia's leader Vladimir Putin and the apparent browbeating of Zelensky. 

French President Emmanuel Macron was among the most pointed in his public statements , distinguishing between what he called the "aggressor" -- Russia -- and the "victim" -- Ukraine. He said that countries including France that helped Ukraine and sanctioned Russia three years ago after the February 2022 invasion were right to continue to do so. 

Faith Makes a Comeback in America

In both President Donald Trump's inauguration speech and his remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump spoke openly, bluntly, boldly about the need for America to get back in the faith -- to reclaim the greatness of our country that comes from the Creator, the Crossmap website reports today (Feb. 27, 2025).  

And after four long years of having the previous administration  push transgender rights, gay rights, and all things secular -- all while hanging the rainbow flag from the White House -- having a president who actively and unabashedly embraces God is not only refreshing; it's a bright shiny ray of sunshine on America's future.

 God--given rights and liberties are the basic building blocks of American Exceptionalism. 

Thankfully, faith seems to be surging in America right now , and that all bodes well for the fate of American individualism. 

Lent Campaign Encourages People to Give Back, Not Just Give Up

 This Lent season, Christian Charity Stewardship is relaunching its generosity challenge , 40 acts, in partnership with Gospel Entrepreneurs,, the Christian Today website reports today (Feb. 25, 2025). 

Following a brief hiatus, 40 acts returns an award--winning initiative that has grown into a movement of over 100,000 individuals dedicated to transforming their communities through acts of far--reaching generosity.

Leaders from Stewardship and the Sanctuary Foundation say that 40 acts is not merely a temporary commitment during Lent, but a shift in perspective, encouraging individuals to actively give to others rather than simply giving up personal indulgences.

It serves as the beginning of a lifelong commitment to sharing the grace believers have received from Jesus, while also fostering meaningful conversations about faith by highlighting the deeper motivations behind this radical generosity.

Janie Oliver, CEO of Stewardship, said she hoped it would inspire "a way of life that will embrace living generously: acts of kindness and caring that will transform our lives and lives of those we connect with."

"40 acts was much--loved because it brought so much joy to so many. It flips the traditional Lent mindset of giving stuff up to one of giving stuff away and that stuff includes your time, talent, and resources , not just your money," she said. 

"Jesus said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive" -- our prayer is that many will know the joy of that blessing this Lent, thanks to 40 acts. 

Southern Baptist Church Declares "No Tolerance" for Sexual Abuse

 Sexual abuse is a "serious and real problem" alongside the "explosion of child pornography," said Jedd Lorg, president and chief executive officer of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Executive Committee (EC), in a speech to EC delegates, the Christian Daily website reports today (Feb. 24, 2025). 

Reminding attendees that Southern Baptists remain a "force for good," Lorg stressed the importance of sex abuse prevention and appropriate responses by the  SBC churches. 

Lorg made the remarks Feb. 17 during a plenary session held at the Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal in Nashville, Tennessee by Baptist Press. 

Lorg highlighted that thousands of Southern Baptist Churches are already implementing safety measures. "The executive committee is taking measured, intentional, proactive steps toward establishing sexual abuse prevention and response as a ministry responsibility," Lorg said. 

Part of defining the nature of this response is understanding the scope of the problem among Southern Baptists. 

"Sexual abuse is a serious and real problem," Lorg said. "When it happens, it is devastating for the survivors, the church, the community, and every person involved. One case is too many." 

"We are committed to these standards at the executive committee. No tolerance for abuse and every church a safe place for the vulnerable," he added. 

The Role of Faith in Modern Society

Faith has played a significant role in shaping human culture throughout history, the Crossmap website reports today (Feb. 22, 2025).

In modern society , religion continues to influence social values, ethics, and community life .

While some may argue that secularism is on the rise, the impact of faith remains evident in various aspects of daily life, from moral decision--making to cultural traditions.

Understanding the role of faith in modern society helps us appreciate its contributions and challenges as communities navigate an ever--changing world. 

Religious beliefs often serve as the foundation of social values, guiding individuals' behavior and shaping collective norms . Concepts, such as compassion, honesty, and justice  are deeply rooted in many religious teachings and continue to influence how societies define right and wrong. For example, charitable organizations, inspired by religious principles, play a vital role in addressing social issues such as poverty, homelessness, and healthcare. These values foster a sense of responsibility, and empathy, promoting social cohesion and mutual support. 

Faith plays a crucial role in shaping ethical and moral decision--making. Many people turn to their religious beliefs when faced with moral dilemmas, seking guidance on issues such as honesty, fairness, and compassion. This influence extends to broader societal debates, including those related to human rights, environmental stewardship, and social justice. By promoting ethical behavior, faith contributes to the development of a more just and compassionate society.  

Divorce and Remarriage: What Does the Bible Say?

Divorce and remarriage remain some of the most challenging and sensitive topics within the Church, the Christian Post website reports today (Feb. 21, 2025).

While modern culture has become increasingly permissive regarding the dissolution of marriage, Scripture upholds a high view of the marriage covenant. 

We are conditioned to view marriage as disposable. We receive these messages through public figures such as popular actors and actresses, celebrities, and even politicians. However, Jesus' teaching in Luke 16:18 provides a sobering warning: "Everyone who

 divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery."

These words underscore the permanence of marriage and rebuke the widespread misinterpretation of God's law by the Pharisees. To fully understand what Scripture teaches about divorce and remarriage, we must examine the historical context , the biblical framework, and the theological implications of Jesus' words. 

During Jesus'ministry, the Pharisees had established themselves as interpreters and enforcers of Mosaic Law. However, they often distorted the law to fit their own desires. In many ways, the Pharisees revised the law of God to be reshaped in their image. The issue of divorce was no exception. They had developed an overly permissive view that allowed men to divorce their wives for nearly any reason. Their misinterpretation was based on a skewed reading of Deuteronomy 24:1 --4, which they used to justify easy divorce. 

Marriage is foundational to God's creation order. In Genesis 2:24, we see the first divine institution of marriage.:

"Therefore a man shall leave his farther and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

From the beginning, marriage was intended to be a permanent, covenantal union. This covenant reflects God's own faithfulness and love, particularly as it relates to Christ's relationship with the Church. Jesus affirms this divine institution in Matthew 19:4--6 ,  stating,  "What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." This statement directly contradicts the Pharisees' approach to divorce and underscores the seriousness of breaking the marriage bond.                                                                                                                                   

Delta Plane Flips after Crash--Landing in Toronto

All 80 passengers survived after a jet flipped onto its back  after a fiery crash--landing yesterday (Feb. 18, 2025) at Toronto's Pearson Airport, the USA Today website reports. Delta Flight 4819 took off  in Minneapolis at 11:47 a.m. local time and flew for an hour and 29 minutes before trying to land in Toronto around 2:15 p.m. local time. 

The plane can be seen coming for a landing at a snowy airport before impacting, igniting , and rolling onto its starboard side. 

According to Flight Radar 24, an airport weather report indicated a gusting crosswind and blowing snow at the time of the accident. "Winds were out of the west at 270 degrees at 28 knots , gusting to 35 knots. Visibility was 6 miles with a runway visual range of 3,000 -- 6,000 feet with an improving trend. 

Hassan Shahidi, president and CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation , praised first responders at the airport. "They were immediately dousing the aircraft with fire--resistant foam," he said.  "The Toronto airport is known for being on top of these emergency--type situations."

Najm Meshkati, professor of engineering and expert of aviation safety at the University of Southern California, told USA Today the speedy evacuation led by the cabin crew may have saved lives . Videos show passengers exiting the emergency doors as firefighters coated the flaming aircraft in foam.

Pope in "Good Spirits" Despite Poor Health

 The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis will need to remain in a hospital due to his "complex clinical picture," the Christian Today website reports today (Feb. 18, 2025). 

The pope was admitted to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Feb. 14 due to issues with bronchitis. The Vatican said that medical tests had revealed  polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, leading to a change in the pope's medical treatment plan. 

As a result of the pope's condition, his weekly General Audience has been cancelled this week. 

Despite his hospitalization, the pope is in "good spirits" and has continued trying to minister to Catholics in extremely difficult situations. 

The pope called parishioners of the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, which is headed by an Egyptian --born , Father Gabriel Romanelli. who like the pope himself, was born in Argentina. 

Father Romanelli said during this week's call from the pope, "We heard his voice. It is true. He is more tired. He himself said, 'I have to take care of myself. But you could hear the clear  voice. He listened to us well.'" 

Pope Francis, 88, has led the Roman Catholic Church since 2013, following the surprise resignation  of  his  predecessor, Benedict XVI.

Pope in "Good Spirits" Despite Poor Health

The Most Misunderstod Doctrine in the Bible

 The Biblical doctrine of election (predestination) is perhaps the most misunderstood and neglected doctrine in the  entire Bible, the Christian Post website reports today (Feb. 16, 2025). 

The Apostle Paul wrote to the saints in Ephesus, " In Christ we were also chosen , having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will." 

And when addressing all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints, Paul wrote, " we know that in all things  God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son... those He predestined , He also called, those He called, He also justified, those He justified, He also glorified. " 

The key to accepting and appreciating the doctrine of election, or predestination, is to rely completely upon Scripture, rather than allowing our human reason to dictate the terms of the biblical doctrine. 

Scripture makes it abundantly clear that if someone goes to Heaven, God deserves all the credit. But if someone goes to Hell, the individual is to blame. 

Thankfully, God does not predestine people to eternal punishment in Hell. "God wants everyone to be saved and to come to a knowledge of truth." The Apostle Peter wrote , "God is patient with you, not wanting  anyone to perish , but everyone to come to repentance."

White House Fires Thousands of Federal Workers

Thousands of recently hired federal workers were fired February 13 and 14, as  Donald Trump and top White House official Elon Musk escalated efforts to purge the federal workforce, the USA Today website reports today (Feb. 15, 2025). 

The cuts targeted probationary workers across all departments. Federal employees in probationary status have typically been hired in the past year. Probationary workers are easier to fire, because they lack the bargaining rights  that career employees have to appeal their terminations. 

Terminations were government--wide: from the Dept. of Education and Small Business Administration to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Forest Service, the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, and the agency that oversees the nation 's fleet of nuclear weapons. 

The Office of Personnel Management declined to provide USA Today total or estimate of how many workers had been laid off. About 220,000 federal workers -- out of a workforce of 2.3 million -- had less than one year of experience as of March 2024, according to the most recently publicly available date from OPM. 

The firings intensified after Trump's buyout offer expired Feb. 12 night. That offer, given most people in the  federal workforce , extended federal employees eight months of pay and benefits through September in exchange for their immediate resignations. About 75,000 federal workers accepted the buyouts, about 3.3 % of the workforce, below the White House goal of 5% to 10 % of workers taking the deal. 

Trump Pledges to End Antri--Christian Bias

 Donald Trump said that he will be creating a White House task force charged with destroying anti--Christian bias within the federal government, the Christian Today website reports today (Feb. 13, 2025). 

Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump said,  "The mission of this task force will be to immediately hold all forms of anti--Christian targeting and discrimination within the federal government, including at the DOJ, which was absolutely terrible, the IRS, the FBI, and other agencies. "

The new task force will be headed by  Pam Bondi, the attorney general , and will work to "fully prosecute anti-- Christian violence and to move heaven and earth to defend the rights of Christians and religious believers nationwide."

Trump also spoke of the work of Elon Musk and his Dept. of  Government Efficiency (DOGE) in removing "woke" policies, positions, and funding within the federal government. 

Of more political interest are the savings by doing away with "woke" DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) projects and revelations about spending in the U.S. Agency for International Development. (AID).

Trump Orders Treasury Secretary to Stop Minting Pennies

 President Donald Trump has ordered the Treasury Dept. to stop minting 1--cent coins , the USA Today website reports today (Feb. 11, 2025). 

USA Today spoke with more than a dozen people today, most of whom suggested the 233--year--old coin is a relic of the past better remembered in places like the Smithsonian Institute, than at the bottom of their junk drawers and purses. 

The U.S. Mint spent $3.69 to produce and distribute each penny last year, resulting in $85.3 million over three billion new pennies. 

The one--cent coin accounts for more than half of all U.S. coin production despite having about 250 billion pieces already in circulation. Canada, Australia, and several other countries have eliminated their lowest --denomination coins citing costs over recent decades. 

Trump Delights Pro--Lifers by Limiting Abortion

 Pro--life groups across the world have been celebrating during the first days of the second presidency of Donald Trump after the number of significant victories to the cause  of the unborn in the U.S., the Christian Today website reports  today (Feb. 9, 2025). 

Trump has ordered several legislative actions to restrict abortion and to permit the prosecution of peaceful pro--life activists in their attempts to reduce the number of babies being killed. 

Trump has also made a number of legislative changes: signing an executive order to limit gender ideology ,that states human life begins at conception, and signing the Geneva Consensus Declaration, which states there is no right to abortion. He has endorsed the congressional Born Alive Bill which protects babies who are still holding on to life after an abortion. And he has enforced the "Hyde Amendment" -- which the Biden adminisrtration had bypassed, which prevents U.S. tax dollars being used to fund abortions.  

Study: Most Democrats, Republicans Agree Cost of Living Is Big Challenge

 The results of the recently released American Family Survey show that, for the first time in the last decade, most Democrats and Republicans agree that the cost of living is one  of the most important issues facing American families today (Feb. 7, 2025), the Christian Post website reports. 

Family structure concerns are driven mainly by Americans worried about "parents not teaching or disciplining their children sufficiently" and have outpaced economic or cultural concerns over the last decade until last year.

"More American families now worry about economic issues." the researchers wrote. "In 2015, just over half of survey respondents chose an item in that category. But economic stresses steadily increased in the ensuing decade. "

"In 2024, for the first time ever, majorities of both parties said economic concerns are one of the most important issues facing families, " it reads. 

Some two--thirds of presidential voters in 2024 described the economy as bad, and those who felt that way voted overwhelmingly for President Donald Trump. 

Judge Halts Trump's Buyout Offer for Federal Workers

 A federal judge today (Feb.6, 2025) paused the Trump administration's  deadline for more than two million federal employees to decide by the end of the day whether to resign or stay in their jobs in order to allow time for labor unions to challenge the plan's legality, the USA Today website reports.

U.S.District Judge George O"Toole in Boston issued a temporary restraining order and set a hearing for Feb.10.  The Trump administration's lawyers had argued that extending the deadline on the very last day would "markedly disrupt the expectations of the federal workforce, inject tremendous uncertainty into a program that scores of federal employees have already availed themselves of, and hinder the administration's efforts to reform the federal workforce. But after the judge issued his order, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration was grateful for the extension, "so more federal workers who refuse to show up for the office can take the administration up on this very generous, once--in--a--lifetime offer." 

Unions representing many of the nation's federal workers charge that the new Republican administration's  "unprecedented offer"violates the law. 

"We will continue to aggressively defend our members' rights," said Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, one of the unions challenging the offer. 

Workers were given barely more than a week to accept the administration's blanket buyout, which union oficials say did not appear to have followed federal procedures for reducing the size of the workforce. 

Federal employees were told they would receive eight months of pay and benefits through September if they resign by Feb. 6. 

The administration this week warned federal employees could be furloughed if they do not accept the buyout and that "the majority of federal agencies will be downsized,"  with the Defense Department as an exception. 

About 40,000 federal workers had accepted the offer as of today, according to Reuters. That represents about 2 % of the workforce, below a goal of 5 % to 10 % the White House has targeted.