Tony Merkel, host of “The Confessionals” podcast, recently shared a cautionary spiritual perspective in an interview with Charisma Media. His personal experiences on the spiritual dangers of hunting for portals and investigating the occult serve as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in engaging with the demonic realm.

Merkel, who described his initial fascination with portals as “unhealthy,” opened up about the spiritual warfare he has faced as a result of his explorations.

“Doing this stuff definitely gets a target on your back,” Merkel said, likening the experience to being an active player in a game. “If you’re a Christian and you’re just riding the bench, nobody’s going to guard you. But as soon as you start becoming a problem, that’s when the opponent pays attention to you.”

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This acknowledgment of demonic attack exposes a spiritual reality often overlooked: engaging with supernatural topics, even out of curiosity, can attract unwelcome attention in the spiritual realm. Merkel’s experiences align with biblical warnings about avoiding practices rooted in the occult. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states, “There must not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or who uses divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination to the Lord.”

Merkel admitted that his obsession with portals would eventually lead him down a spiritually dangerous path. Reflecting on his conversation with Dr. Laura Sanger, he shared, “She walked away from the interview thinking I had an unhealthy interest in the topic of portals. And I confirmed to her, ‘You’re absolutely right. I did.’” Merkel later realized he had overstepped spiritual boundaries, saying, “I felt like God gave me a lot to be trusted with, and I felt like I abused that at certain points.”

One particularly unsettling encounter involved visiting a property in Kentucky where a glowing portal had reportedly been photographed. “Hunting for portals—not a good idea,” Merkel warns. “It’s a doorway to another realm, and things go in and out of that. Trying to hunt down the doorway where things are coming in and out of…not a good idea.”

Merkel’s experiences with the supernatural reflect a broader biblical truth. The spiritual realm is real, and engaging with it outside of God’s guidance can have severe consequences. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

Merkel also addressed the phenomenon of so-called “Dog Man” or upright walking canines, which he believes could be linked to dark rituals, ancient demonic entities or even government experiments. “We wonder if what people are seeing are projections during rituals,” he said. Despite the intrigue, Merkel’s approach remains grounded in faith. “We don’t need to conjure things. We just go out into the woods and exist in these environments to see what happens around us.”

His team’s prayerful approach—praying before, during and after investigations—is a stark contrast to the dangerous practices of seeking out the occult. Yet Merkel’s journey has not been without missteps. “I’ve done things I’ve regretted over the years,” he admitted. “I’ve walked in ignorance, thinking God will protect me.”

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Humility and willingness to learn from mistakes offer through Merkel’s story a cautionary tale for those tempted to explore the supernatural without recognizing the spiritual risks. As Merkel put it, “When God calls you to do something, I firmly believe He’s going to protect you and guide you through it. But that doesn’t mean you should test the boundaries.”

The Bible consistently warns against engaging with the occult, emphasizing the need for discernment and reliance on God’s protection. Merkel’s reflections echo these warnings, urging believers to avoid practices and pursuits that could lead to spiritual harm. His journey highlights the importance of staying within the boundaries of God’s calling and resisting the temptation to delve into realms best left unexplored.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Pastor Greg Locke of Global Vision Bible Church is calling for a radical shift in perspective for 2025: live your best life ever by prioritizing eternal values over temporary, earthly pursuits. In a recent sermon, Locke reflected on the struggles of the past year, acknowledging how his church has faced trials, fought through adversity and stayed committed to fulfilling the will of God. While 2024 was a challenging year for many, Locke urged believers to view their hardships as opportunities to grow stronger in faith and to align their lives with God’s eternal purposes.

Locke’s message was a clarion call to resist being consumed by the distractions and materialism of the modern world. Instead, he encouraged his congregation to focus on spiritual principles that lead to lasting fulfillment.

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To help believers navigate 2025 with purpose and clarity, Locke outlined four transformative principles for living a great year:

1. Forgive people that will never ask you to: Holding onto unforgiveness only creates bitterness and hinders spiritual growth. Letting go, even when the other person hasn’t sought forgiveness, frees your heart for greater peace. “You’ve got to learn to forgive people that do not want your forgiveness,” Locke explains. “Forgiveness is a gift that you give yourself.”
2. Find yourself a secret place to spend time with God: In a noisy, fast-paced world, carving out quiet moments to pray, reflect, and connect with God is essential for spiritual renewal. “You want the best year you’ve ever had?” asks Locke. “Find yourself a place where you can get alone with God. And by the way, find yourself a place where you can get alone with God and only God is allowed to be there with you.”
3. Fellowship with people that encourage you: Surround yourself with a community of believers who uplift and inspire you. Positive, godly relationships provide strength and accountability. “[Do] you want to be somebody that puts the kingdom first? Stop living your life around people that drain your battery,” says Locke. “…do not spend your life consistently fellowshipping with people that make you feel like garbage when you’re done with the conversation.”
4. Free your heart and mind of needless distractions: Clear away the clutter—whether mental, emotional, or material—that pulls you away from your spiritual goals. Focus your energy on what truly matters. “Sometimes we just have to free ourselves from distractions. And I’m not saying that you shouldn’t have hobbies, you should have them. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t enjoy social media, it can be used correctly, and there’s nothing wrong with entertainment, nothing wrong with vacations, but when those things become the main things, something’s wrong,” Locke implores.

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Each principle represents a step toward a more meaningful life aligned with the Word of God. Locke challenges fellow believers to embrace these practices not just as resolutions for the year but as lifestyle changes that lead to eternal rewards.

As 2025 begins, Locke’s sermon serves as a powerful reminder that true fulfillment comes from living with an eternal perspective. By letting go of past hurts, prioritizing time with God, building uplifting relationships and decluttering our lives, we can experience a year marked by peace, purpose and spiritual growth. It’s a message of hope and renewal for anyone ready to embrace the best life God has planned for them.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, Pastor Todd Mullins, senior pastor of Christ Fellowship Church in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, delivered a timely message titled “This is Your Year,” urging believers to embrace God’s purpose and promises with renewed faith and boldness. Mullins explains that 2025 is not just another year but a God-appointed season for breakthrough and transformation.

“This is your year to step into all that God has for you,” Mullins declared to the congregation. “God’s plans for your life haven’t changed, even if your circumstances have. You need to hold onto His promises and step out in faith.”

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Drawing inspiration from the story of Joshua leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, Mullins emphasized the importance of taking action. “God told Joshua, ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go’ (Josh. 1:9). That promise is not just for Joshua; it’s for you too. God’s presence is with you as you face the challenges ahead.”

Mullins highlighted three key steps to make 2025 a year of spiritual and personal growth:

1. Claim God’s Promises: “There are over 7,000 promises in the Bible,” Mullins reminded his audience. “But a promise is only as powerful as your willingness to believe it and act on it. Are you willing to take God at His word this year?”

2. Take Bold Steps of Faith: Reflecting on the Israelites crossing the Jordan River, Mullins explained, “The waters didn’t part until the priests stepped into the river. Some of you are waiting for the waters to part, but God is waiting for you to take the first step.”

3. Rely on God’s Strength: “Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but remember what Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ Your strength comes from Him, not your own abilities.”

The sermon also touched on the power of surrendering our will to God. “Sometimes, we’re holding onto things that keep us from stepping into God’s best,” Mullins said. “This is your year to let go of fear, doubt and anything that’s holding you back.”

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Pastor Mullins closed his message with an invitation for Christians to take some time for personal reflection and commitment. “What if this year wasn’t just about surviving but thriving? What if you decided to trust God fully, to walk by faith and to embrace the future He has for you? This is your year to see His faithfulness like never before.”

Christians around the world can be inspired by this call to action and reassured by the reminder of God’s unwavering presence. For those yearning for renewal and purpose, it is essential that we remember God’s promises are steadfast, and this year could indeed be the year of transformation if we dare to believe and take that first step of faith.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

World-renowned gospel music artist Kirk Franklin has made waves not only with his music but also with his response to recent controversies. In a video posted to YouTube, Franklin publicly apologized for actions that offended parts of the Christian community in 2024, particularly during his performance at Jamaica’s “Fun in the Son” concert and moments on his Reunion Tour.

Franklin began by addressing his attire at the Jamaican concert, where he performed in a tank top and shorts. His choice drew criticism for being inappropriate for the setting, which celebrated Judeo-Christian values. “I am aware now that my choice of attire… was going to be something that would not come across as disrespectful,” Franklin acknowledged. Reflecting on the unintended impact, he added, “I sincerely apologize because I never want to get to a place that I can’t learn…that I’m always being humble enough and submissive enough to hear people and their concerns about anything being bigger than the message of Jesus.”

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Franklin emphasized that his intent was never to overshadow the Gospel message. “It doesn’t matter what my goal and intent is, if I’m louder than the message of Jesus, then I failed,” he said, highlighting a perspective of humility and accountability rarely seen in the entertainment world.

This wasn’t the only incident Franklin addressed. During his Reunion Tour, a viral video captured him twerking with a fellow singer on stage. Franklin admitted it was “too much” and expressed regret over his inability to separate his playful backstage persona from his onstage conduct. “I play too much… I got to learn it, because I know that it can be offensive to some people,” he admitted.

Another video showing Franklin dancing with Marvin Sapp also sparked criticism. Franklin took full responsibility for the moment, saying, “It was my fault. I pushed him to dance, and he easily obliged.”

Despite the backlash, Franklin remained steadfast in his vision for his performances. He explained that his goal is to provide attendees with an unforgettable experience without compromising the Gospel. “I’ve always believed that God’s music… should always be able to stand in any space that you spend your money,” he said. “I want you to feel like you had a good time, that it was a show that did not compromise the Gospel.”

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Jamaica Broilers Group, the sponsor of the “Fun in the Son” concert, acknowledged Franklin’s apology but expressed disappointment. “We expected more from Mr. Franklin,” said President Christopher Levy. However, he extended grace, saying the company prayerfully supports Franklin’s spiritual growth.

Franklin’s public apology serves as a reminder of the complex balance artists must maintain between authenticity and accountability, especially when you represent Jesus Christ on a public stage. More importantly, it highlights the power of humility and repentance. True repentance is not merely an admission of guilt but a transformative process that aligns a person’s heart closer to God. As believers, we must strive to grow in our walk with Christ, ensuring our actions and words reflect the Gospel’s truth and love, even when we stumble.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

As we step into 2025, Rick Renner of Renner Ministries delivers a prophetic word brimming with both challenge and hope. He speaks to the body of Christ with clarity, urging us to brace for a season of intense warfare but also to rise in faith, equipped with God’s promises.

Renner begins with a reminder of the apostle Paul’s instruction to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:18: “Remember the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest wage a good warfare.” He emphasizes that prophetic words are tools for spiritual battle, declaring, “God has given you everything you need to walk in victory in 2025.”

A Season of Intense Warfare

Renner’s word warns of battles on three key fronts: economic, political and spiritual. He describes these challenges but assures us that we can navigate them with God’s help.

• Economic Battles:
  Renner foresees economic shakings in various parts of the world and calls believers to prepare by continuing to sow seeds of generosity. He cites Ecclesiastes 11:6, saying, “Sow your seed right now and don’t stop. You do not know precisely what the future holds economically, but if you keep sowing, it means you’ll be in good shape regardless of what happens.”
• Political Battles:
  Highlighting the current climate of political incivility, Renner likens it to Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:7, describing “kingdom rising against kingdom.” He notes, “The public behavior of politicians and political parties has departed from the days of respectful disagreement into an ugly mess of intolerance and mudslinging.”
• Spiritual Battles:
  The church faces division, with some embracing compromise while others hold fast to biblical truths. Renner foresees three types of churches emerging:

  1. A church that holds to the truth and experiences the power of the Holy Spirit.
  2. A compromising church that seeks to avoid conflict.
  3. A lukewarm church, devoid of God’s power and leaving Christ outside its doors.

Renner warns, “Unless a major revival occurs, this rift will only grow deeper and wider.”

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Battening Down the Hatches

Renner uses the imagery of preparing for a storm, urging believers to be mentally and spiritually ready. He reminds us that we are not alone, saying, “With the grace of God, the power of the Holy Spirit, the promises of God’s Word and the weaponry He has given, we can move forward step by step.”

Renner encourages us to rely on these resources, assuring us that “God will triumphantly lead His people forward and carry out His plans for this end-time age.”

Rejoice, Not Fear

In a world filled with uncertainty, Renner challenges us to choose joy over fear. “This is not a time to fear, moan, or cry, but a time to rejoice, for God is strategically at work even in ways you do not see,” he says.

Citing Psalm 2:4, Renner reminds us that God laughs at the plans of those who oppose Him, declaring, “The one who sits in the heavens laughs… and He will ultimately have them in derision.”

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Faith That Overcomes

Renner leaves us with an empowering message rooted in 1 John 5:4: “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” He explains that our faith enables us to rise above every challenge, likening it to Noah’s ark floating on waters that destroyed the world.

He urges believers to stand firm on biblical truth, warning that without it, the church risks becoming “a spiritually weak humanitarian organization with a Christian philosophy that lacks the power of God.” But for those who remain steadfast, Renner prophesies “a visitation of God’s glory.”

The Call to Stand Firm

As we navigate 2025, Renner’s word is both a warning and a rallying cry. The battles ahead are real, but so is God’s provision. “The Lord is a man of war,” Renner proclaims. “He knows exactly how to strategize against and overcome every assault against His people and His truth.”

Now is the time to prepare, to rejoice and to walk in the victory God has promised. By faith, we can overcome.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

In a recent teaching, evangelist Perry Stone delved into a fascinating topic in the Bible—the “tongue of angels” mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13:1.

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not love, I am a sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal,” Stone quotes, pointing to the apostle Paul’s declaration. According to Stone, this verse opens a line of discussion not only on the necessity of love but also on the spiritual dimensions of language.

A Heavenly Language Rooted in Scripture

Stone contextualizes his teaching by revisiting the origins of language as portrayed in the Bible. From Adam and Eve’s unbroken communication with God to the singular language spoken before the Tower of Babel, he highlights the possibility of a heavenly tongue preserved through history. “Paul said in Acts, ‘I heard the Lord speak to me out of Heaven in the Hebrew tongue.’ This raises the question: Is there a form of Hebrew or a divine language spoken in heaven?” Stone asks.

While acknowledging scholarly debates, Stone points to the role of the Holy Spirit in bridging earthly and heavenly communication. Near-death experiences and spiritual encounters often reveal languages understood supernaturally, further supporting this idea.

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A Gift for Divine Intervention

Perhaps most compelling is Stone’s explanation of the practical role of angelic languages. Reflecting on his own personal experiences, he describes moments of imminent danger where unknown words emerged from his spirit. “We would just blurt out words of the Holy Spirit,” he shares. “The Bible in King James calls it an ‘unknown tongue,’ meaning it’s unknown to the speaker but known to God Himself.”

Stone proposes that speaking in an angelic tongue might serve a unique purpose—calling on God’s angels for assistance. “By speaking in the language of an angel, you may be calling on an angel to bring you some type of assistance,” he explains. This perspective offers Spirit-filled believers an awe-inspiring glimpse into how prayer languages can operate in moments of intercession.

A Shift in the Spirit

Stone also highlights how Spirit-led prayer can result in unexpected shifts in a believer’s prayer language. “There may be times that your prayer tongue or language will shift into one you’re not familiar with,” he says. Far from being random, these shifts reflect the Holy Spirit’s guidance in navigating unseen spiritual realities. “It could be possible that your spirit senses danger, or you’re praying for divine intervention.”

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A Call to Embrace the Supernatural

For Stone, the study of the tongue of angels is not just theological speculation but a reminder of the Holy Spirit’s active role in the believer’s life. “There are languages of Earth and languages of heaven,” he affirms. “Through the Holy Spirit, we can pray emergency prayers that get the direct attention of an angel of God.”

This revelation serves as both an encouragement and a challenge to the body of Christ. In a time when negativity abounds, Stone’s teaching reminds us of the profound hope and power available through the gifts of the Spirit. As Stone says, “It’s good to hear a positive word of what God can do in us and in your life.”

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For those of us seeking to deepen our understanding of spiritual gifts, Stone’s insights offer both inspiration and practical application. The tongue of angels is not merely a theological concept but a tool gift from the Holy Spirit, affirming our supernatural relationship with God.

James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

For Christians sensitive to what the Holy Spirit is saying today, Cindy Jacobs’ urgent prophetic message is a clarion call to prayer, faith and action. Her recent video address weaves economic warnings, spiritual strategies and personal encouragement, urging believers worldwide to respond to these critical times with intercession and wisdom.

“There’s a lot of fear right now,” Jacobs acknowledges, “but while there is cause for concern, I want to say, how do you analyze a prophetic word?” Jacobs’ emphasis on discernment sets the tone for her message. She notes prophecies about potential economic collapse—even a Great Depression—but explains that God often warns us so that His glory may be revealed through prayerful intervention.

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A Nation on the Brink

Jacobs underscores the precarious state of the U.S. economy. “Last I heard, I think we’re about $35 trillion in debt,” she says, pointing to the alarming rate at which the national debt has grown. “I was told by a trusted friend that that goes up by a trillion dollars every 100 days. We cannot keep on that course. No nation can survive with that… This is very, very critical.” Her call is that believers must intercede for leaders with the wisdom to govern economically, as the fate of the global economy hangs in the balance.

“Who gets hurt?” Jacobs asks. “The people… Everyday people, us, not people that have large means… So what do we do? We pray.”

Intercession as the Solution

Jacobs recounts the Reformation Prayer Network’s quiet yet powerful history of intercession. “We have many times gone and prayed to stabilize the economy,” she shares, adding recent efforts include prayers for Wall Street and the banking system. “This would not be the first time that we have seen a great potential of economic disasters, and we have taken it to earnest prayer.” She believes these prayers can avert disaster: “I felt like the Lord said to me that there would be a severe course correction, but if we prayed, it would not fall into what we know as a Great Depression.”

Aligning with Israel

History has shown that nations suffer when they turn against Israel, Jacobs warns. “Every time in history that we have gone against Israel, the nation has plummeted… People are blessed when they bless Israel, and they’re cursed when they curse it.” She then issues a simple plea to pray that the U.S. maintains its alliance with Israel. “We don’t want to come against God; we want to do what is right.”

Practical Wisdom and Preparedness

Jacobs advises Christians to take practical steps in uncertain times. “If you feel like you should have emergency supplies… this is just a word of wisdom, not fear,” she says, emphasizing faith over fear. “Mike and I have emergency water, emergency flashlights… It’s just wisdom.” She also highlights the possibility of local economic shifts, such as barter systems and gold- or silver-backed currencies in small cities. “I know I heard that 28 states are looking into being on the silver and gold backup current deposits as opposed to the fiat or paperless. I think those are great ideas.”

Praying Against War and Pandemic

Jacobs reveals a long-standing prophetic insight: “For about 15 years, we’ve known Satan wanted to use a regional war to start a world war.” She calls for sustained prayer against global conflict and for the mitigation of severe pandemics. “What about the word about the pandemic coming with millions of people dying?” she asks. “I believe God is not willing that any should perish… We want to pray to stop that pandemic.”

Jacobs also reflects on past intercessory efforts during the COVID-19 crisis: “A lot of people criticized us because we had meetings to try to stop COVID, and it didn’t completely stop it. But I believe it does mitigate, especially regionally, against severe pandemics.”

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Personal Encouragement for a Frustrated Season

In a poignant moment, Jacobs shares a vision of individuals struggling with closed doors. “You are in a season where you feel frustrated because you can’t seem to just get that door open,” she says. “But on the other side of the door, God is moving things around… Your prayers are causing all of these things to happen.” She encourages believers: “Will you trust [God] and not lean to your own understanding?”

A Call to Action

Jacobs finalizes her message with a rallying cry for prayer. “Let’s not get into fear; let’s pray and intercede,” she urges. Her words echo 2 Chronicles 7:14, reminding believers that God’s promise to heal the land hinges on humble, repentant prayer. “In judgment, remember mercy. We do have a merciful God.”

This prophetic word is both a sobering warning and a spur to activity. It challenges Christians to rise above worldly fear, align with the purposes of God and pray with fervency for the economic, spiritual and global stability of our time. As Jacobs declares, “When you knocked, when you prayed, [God is] going to open a door that no man can shut.”

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Recent weeks have seen an explosion in drone activity and reports of unidentified aerial phenomena, especially in the Northeastern United States. What might appear as purely technological or military developments have sparked deeper questions for Christians about spiritual realities. In a recent interview on Prophecy Watchers, hosts Mondo Gonzales and Gary Stearman explored the spiritual dimensions behind these phenomena, offering insights rooted in Scripture and prophetic understanding.

Gonzales began by pointing to the Bible’s references to the enemy’s dominion in the air. “As you referenced earlier, we have in the book of Ephesians 2:2 and 6:12-13 that the enemy, in this sense, is the prince of the power of the air,” Gonzales says. He explains how this aligns with biblical theology, adding, “The air is kind of the realm of the enemy in the spirit world, the spiritual host of wickedness.”

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Gonzales further elaborated on the significance of high places throughout biblical history. He notes, “In the Old Testament, high places were often used as sacrificial sites. Even in Mesopotamian religious mythology, mountaintops were favored because they were seen as closer to the heavens. The Tower of Babel was an attempt to reach the heavenly realm.”

Drawing from Revelation 12, Gonzales highlights a future spiritual battle. “In that future war between Michael and his angels and Satan and his angels, Satan is cast out of that heavenly realm, or air realm, and forced to the ground. This makes him very mad because he knows his time is short.”

Stearman connected these spiritual truths to contemporary UAP and drone activity. Reflecting on historical sightings, he remarks, “I have long believed that what we call UFOs now—UAPs—have a lot to do with the legions of Satan. Particularly when you read about UFO abduction phenomena, which often involve bizarre and invasive experiences, there’s a clear link to satanic activity.”

Yet both speakers caution against jumping to conclusions on the origins of the drones. Gonzales emphasized the importance of a balanced perspective: “I’m a thorough supernaturalist—I believe the Bible—but I’m also very scientific. We shouldn’t immediately label every unexplained phenomenon as supernatural or demonic. Some of these drones are clearly conventional or military.”

However, Gonzales acknowledges the likelihood of deception. “The best mix of deception, whether it’s by the military or others, is to blend genuine UAPs with conventional drones. Why not have a UAP appear in the midst of all this distraction?” he posed. This echoes Jesus’ warning in Matthew 24:4: “Take heed that no one deceives you.”

Stearman, drawing on his experience as a pilot, provided insights into the technological challenges of identifying aerial phenomena. He describes how modern radar systems track every aircraft, emphasizing that unidentified objects without transponders trigger immediate alarms. “If something without a transponder appears, it’s a red flag,” Stearman explains, underscoring the complexity of distinguishing between human-made and supernatural activity.

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The two circled back to the overarching theme of deception. Gonzales warns, “Deception is going to be the main sign of the end of the age. Truth will be tossed in the streets. Satan is well-known for one thing: disillusionment, casting doubt on everything you believe.”

As Christians, we are called to remain vigilant and discerning. The Holy Spirit equips us to navigate these confusing times, enabling us to discern the tricks of the enemy. It is vital that we lean into His guidance, grounding ourselves in Scripture and prayer. While the enemy’s tactics may evolve with technology, our job remains unchanged: to fulfill the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ. With the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we can expose darkness, walk in truth and proclaim the gospel to a world in need.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Best-selling author Rabbi Jonathan Cahn’s powerful sermon on the signs of the coming apocalypse provides a sobering yet hope-filled reminder of the times we are living in. From ancient prophecies to modern realities, Cahn weaves together Scripture, history and current events to reveal the urgent need for the church to stay vigilant.

“The Antichrist will declare himself God in the Holy Place,” Cahn warned, drawing from Matthew 24:15, where Jesus references Daniel’s prophecy about the abomination of desolation. Cahn explained that this Holy Place points to the Temple in Jerusalem, the epicenter of God’s prophetic timeline.

Cahn highlighted the unprecedented growth of the global population as another key sign. “Revelation speaks of multitudes and an army of 200 million,” he said. “That was unimaginable at the time John wrote it, but today, it’s not only possible; it’s reality.” Indeed, the world population has crossed 8 billion, fulfilling a context in which such prophecies could come to pass.

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One of the most chilling parallels Cahn pointed out was the connection between the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and the prophecy of Wormwood in Revelation 8:10-11: “The name Chernobyl means wormwood in Russian,” he explained. “Revelation describes a great star falling from heaven, poisoning the waters. This is not coincidence.”

His sermon also pointed to the rebirth of Israel as a prophetic milestone. “In 1948, Israel was restored as a nation after nearly 2,000 years,” Cahn said. “In 1967, Jerusalem returned to Jewish hands. These fulfillments are the foundation of God’s end-times plan.” He referenced Revelation 7:4, which mentions 144,000 from the tribes of Israel, emphasizing Israel’s central role in the events of the end of days.

Cahn’s insights into Armageddon were equally striking. “Zechariah 12:3 says all nations will gather against Jerusalem. Revelation confirms this with the armies assembling at Armageddon. Look at today—anti-Israel sentiment is growing globally.” This worldwide focus on Israel is not some random event but is deeply rooted in biblical prophecy.

The sermon didn’t shy away from discussing the technological advancements enabling real-time global connectivity either. “Revelation describes events witnessed instantly worldwide. For the first time in history, technology makes this possible,” Cahn observed. From live broadcasts to social media, the world is interconnected in ways John could not have imagined.

Turning to Ezekiel’s prophecy, Cahn noted, “Ezekiel 38 speaks of a coalition of nations against Israel—Persia, which is Iran; Togarmah, which is Turkey. Look at the alliances forming today. These aren’t random; they’re prophetic.”

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Amid these alarming signs, Cahn’s message carried with it hope for the future. “Revelation is not just about chaos; it’s about the sovereignty of God,” he said. “He is in control, and we must trust Him. If you are His, these times should not terrify you but draw you closer to Him.”

Cahn’s call to action for all believers is as clear as day. “God’s people need to stay grounded in His Word. These are not times to grow complacent. Jesus said, ‘Watch, therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord will come'” (Matt. 24:42).

As we witness these signs unfold, the church must respond with urgency and faith. The fulfillment of prophecy is not merely an intellectual exercise; it’s a wake-up call from the Holy Spirit. Are we listening?

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

In a revealing interview with Tucker Carlson, President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming “border czar,” Tom Homan, shed light on a chilling reality often overlooked in discussions about border security: the Satanic origins of the Mexican drug cartels.

These cartels, notorious for their brutality, don’t merely operate as criminal enterprises; they engage in rituals and practices that many experts identify as explicitly demonic. The spiritual danger posed by these organizations extends far beyond the physical violence and drug trafficking. Their practices—rooted in fear, bloodshed and the occult—represent a direct affront to God’s design for lawfulness and order.

As America battles to secure its borders, it is crucial to recognize that this fight is not just a physical one; it is a spiritual confrontation against forces that seek to sow destruction and chaos. To truly protect our nation, we must engage this fight on both fronts, addressing not only the immediate threat but also the deeper, darker powers at work.

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“It’s so evil,” Homan recalls during the interview with Carlson. “I know that in El Salvador, when MS-13 ran the country before Bukele, there was a religious component, [a] kind of voodoo witchcraft component, to MS-13 where they were worshipping the devil.”

Homan’s description of the cartels’ embrace of devil-worship sheds light on the moral decay that enables such unimaginable atrocities. By aligning themselves with demonic forces, cartel members seem to sever their connection to basic human compassion, becoming instruments of violence and terror. Their participation in occult rituals and sacrifices feeds into a spiritual darkness that hardens their souls and justifies acts of unspeakable cruelty, from human trafficking to the merciless slaughter of innocents.

This spiritual depravity is a stark reminder of the battle being waged not just in the physical realm but in the spiritual one as well. God’s Word clearly condemns any form of devil-worship, stating in Deuteronomy 18:10-12a:

There must not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or who uses divination, or uses witchcraft, or an interpreter of omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts spells, or a spiritist, or an occultist, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination to the Lord.

These verses clearly show that such practices are abhorrent to God, showcasing the spiritual depravity of those who engage in them and the importance of confronting this evil with both vigilance and prayer.

According to Homan, these are the very practices taking place within the cartels that are operating on the southern border of the United States.

“It’s a component of the cartels. You see it in Mexico as well, all through Latin America, is that you come across that,” he says. “They worship death. And, like, formally worship it. … They got, you know, statues, statute there and memorabilia worshipping death as a consequence of not allowing them to do their business.”

“It’s witchcraft,” says Carlson.

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Revealing to Carson just some of the horrors he’s witnessed the cartels commit, Homan says when Trump has attempted to call the cartels out for what they are, such as “animals,” opposing members in the government such as former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, resorted to calling him a “Nazi” and ended up doing nothing about securing the southern border.

Those in positions of power who allow the cartels to operate with impunity within the United States bear complicity in the horrors these organizations perpetrate. By turning a blind eye to their activities or failing to enforce the laws necessary to dismantle their operations, they enable the cartels’ reign of terror. This negligence sacrifices the safety and well-being of American citizens on the altar of political convenience, corruption and indifference. In doing so, they permit the cartels’ demonic influence to spread unchecked, leaving countless lives shattered by drug addiction, human trafficking and violence. Such betrayal of public trust reveals a deep moral and spiritual failure at the highest levels of government.

As Christians, we are called to be both watchmen and warriors in the face of such pervasive evil. It is imperative that we boldly stand against the darkness creeping into our nation, exposing and opposing the atrocities of the cartels. Yet, our responsibility goes beyond mere words or policy; we must engage in spiritual warfare, confronting the demonic forces and principalities that empower these organizations. Through prayer, fasting and unwavering faith in the name of Jesus, we combat not only the physical manifestations of their evil but also the spiritual strongholds that perpetuate their reign of terror. Only by addressing both realms can we hope to drive back this darkness and reclaim the light for our nation.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.