A recent report put out by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University headed by lead researcher Dr. George Barna spells a growing concern among the Christian community in America.

The problem: millions of self-described Christians are abandoning their civic responsibility of voting.

Just how many Christians are choosing not to participate in choosing the leadership of the country in the 2024 election? According to Barna’s newest report, a staggering 41 million “born-again Christians” and 32 million people who say they regularly attend a church. The faiths involved in the research include Christianity, Judaism, Mormonism and Islam and account for 104 million people who are not expected to cast a vote this November.

That is such a large group of potential voters that it could swing the election one way or another.

“I see two huge take-aways from this blockbuster report,” says Len Munsil, President of Arizona Christian University in a press release.

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“First, that Christians could be the deciding factor in a bunch of federal and state races–and are choosing not to be. And second, that they are longing for their local church to instruct them on how to think biblically about policy and politics.

“They don’t want to be told how to vote, but they do want to know why they should vote, and how to view political issues from a biblical framework,” he adds.

Conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk has been one of the many voices leading the way for increased voter registration this election season, and called out the church on the social media platform X to do more to get the faithful involved, or else face the consequences.

This is a five-alarm fire.

The local church must be activated to explain why voting is critical and national leaders must not take this group for granted in key issues.

We cannot expect President Trump to have a more Christian ethos if the church refuses to vote. We cannot expect President Trump to be more pro-life if our own people don’t back him up at the ballot box. The local church must be activated.

Christians, you are about to hand the White House to Kamala Harris.

Dr. Barna explains that this large number of Christian voters is substantially more than the differential of the 2020 in states with a narrow margin of victory for President Joe Biden.

“The 32 million Christians who regularly attend church services but are not likely to vote represent a far larger margin than the combined number of votes that decided the 2020 election in key battleground states,” Barna says. “If church leaders, family members, and close friends will use their influence to get reticent voters from their churches to cast a ballot on Nov. 5, the election outcome will be meaningfully affected.”

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For Christians, participating in the election process is not only a civic duty but also a spiritual responsibility. The Word of God instructs believers to engage with the world around them and act in ways that reflect their faith, not hide in the shadows.

Proverbs 29:2 says, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people mourn.” Voting allows Christians to be stewards of their influence in society, ensuring that leaders who align with biblical principles are chosen. By voting, we actively shape our communities in a way that honors God’s justice, mercy and righteousness.

The New Testament also commands believers to “let your light shine before men,” (Matt. 5:16), and one way to do this is by participating in the electoral process and choosing candidates whose values align with biblical truth. Engaging in the election is a way to put faith into action, using our voice to promote godly leadership.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Iran and Russia are strengthening their diplomatic and economic ties in a development that could shift the balance of power in the Middle East and beyond.

Ali Akbar Velayati, a top adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, confirmed the deepening relationship between the two nations following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to Tehran. Velayati’s remarks came after a meeting with Alexander Lavrentiev, Putin’s special envoy for Syria, where the two discussed regional developments, including conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, according to Iran’s state media IRNA.

The meeting reveals how Iran is seeking to leverage its relationship with Moscow to push for a more anti-Israel stance in the region. This relationship, built on mutual opposition to U.S. influence, appears to be evolving into a broader alliance with potentially region-destabilizing consequences.

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Iran’s state media reported that both leaders emphasized the need to counter what they described as the “genocide of Palestinians” and condemned Israeli actions in Lebanon and Syria, calling for a halt to what they termed “the killing machine of this usurping regime.”

The recent talks between Russia and Iran, coming amid growing tensions with Israel, show the expanding cooperation between these two nations, particularly in military and geopolitical realms. Lavrentiev expressed his satisfaction with the meeting, praising the strengthening of ties between the two countries. This deepening alliance aims to challenge the existing world order, one that has been led by the U.S. since the end of World War II.

What are the Spiritual Implications of this Alliance?

The alliance between Iran and Russia holds significant end times importance. Many theologians interpret the prophecy in Ezekiel 38-39, which describes a coalition of nations led by Gog of Magog against Israel, as a reference to Russia and Iran. Ezekiel 38:5 mentions Persia (modern-day Iran) as one of the nations that will align against Israel.

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Looking at these events through a biblical lens, the current strengthening of ties between Russia and Iran is setting the stage for future prophetic events.

While there are many end times prophecies unfolding in the world today, it is important to note that this is not yet the final battle of Armageddon. Revelation 16 describes Armageddon as the ultimate war between good and evil, where all the nations gather for battle and the final bowl of God’s wrath is poured out upon the earth. However, this current political alignment is a season of preparation before such events must happen.

As Ezekiel 38:8 says, these alliances will occur “in the latter years,” and this season appears to be laying the groundwork for what is yet to happen. While this alliance is troubling, and is a reminder that we are in times of preparation and the final events are still to come, we have peace and joy unspeakable in the knowledge that Jesus Christ has overcome the world.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

On a recent segment of “Off the Wall with Will and Pete,” hosts Will Cain and Pete Hegseth discuss the one-year timeline of Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas, which began on Oct. 7, 2023.

That day, Hamas launched a coordinated terrorist attack, firing 3,000 rockets into Israel and leaving devastation in their wake. Nearly 1,200 Israelis were killed, and 257 hostages, including four foreign nationals, were taken by the militant group.

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Cain and Hegseth emphasize the attack’s unprecedented nature, describing it as the deadliest strike on Jews since the Holocaust. Among the hardest-hit areas were southern Israeli communities and a music festival where many civilians lost their lives. The hosts shared the harrowing stories of families caught in the chaos, with individuals grabbing any weapon they could find to defend themselves as terrorists infiltrated their homes, committing atrocities at every turn.

On Oct. 8, 2023, Israel declared war on Hamas. The military launched airstrikes followed by ground operations to root out the terrorists in Hamas and rescue hostages. Although a few pauses in the fighting allowed for some hostages to be released—mainly women and the elderly—many remain in captivity. As of today, 97 hostages are still held, including seven Americans.

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By April 2024, Iran directly attacked Israel, which retaliated with airstrikes. In September, Hezbollah officially entered the fray, leading to a tactical Israeli airstrike that killed senior Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The situation has only escalated, with missile strikes from Hezbollah and Iran increasing tensions across the region.

In the United States, the war has sparked heated protests, especially on college campuses. Major institutions like Harvard and UPenn faced public backlash for their handling of the Oct. 7, attacks and growing anti-Semitism on campus, leading to the resignation of several college presidents. Jewish students continue to express concerns over safety as tensions on campuses remain high.

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The hosts note the resilience of Israel and its vow to continue military operations in Gaza and against Iran-backed forces. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised retaliation for ongoing strikes from Iran and Hezbollah, and that Israel will not rest until her enemies are defeated.

While the conflict rages on, it is crucial to remember the importance of praying for Israel during this time of crisis.

The nation has endured immense loss, and countless families are grieving the deaths of loved ones killed in the Oct. 7, attacks. Prayers for peace and healing are essential as the world hopes for a resolution to the violence and the restoration of security to the region. Through faith, we can trust that God will bring comfort to those who suffer and guide efforts toward protecting the small nation of Israel from those who would see her destroyed.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

On a recent episode of “The Curt Landry Podcast,” Rabbi Curt Landry dives deep into the prophetic significance of the Hebrew year 5785, marking it as a critical time for believers.

“This is the year of the king-priest anointing,” Landry says, pointing to the Old Testament model of King David, who embodied both spiritual and material leadership.

According to Landry, the upcoming year holds the keys to unlocking believers’ spiritual potential in a new way.

Landry explains that 5785 is not just another year on the Hebrew calendar but one that sets the foundation for the next decade.

“What happens this year is pivotal for the next 10 years,” he says, emphasizing the urgency of preparing now. He warns that the coming decade will demand a higher level of spiritual leadership from believers, who must step into their roles as both kings and priests.

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Rabbi Landry also highlights the crucial role of the fall feasts in this prophetic season, explaining their importance for spiritual alignment and preparation. “The fall feasts—Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot—are God’s appointed times for us to reflect, repent and reset,” he explains. Landry urges believers to fully engage in these feasts as a way to step into the blessings and protection they offer. “These are not just Jewish traditions,” he says, “but divine appointments for everyone in God’s kingdom. By observing them, you position yourself to hear from the Lord more clearly and receive the provision He has stored up for you in this new year.”

Drawing from the Lord’s prophetic insights, Landry shares that this year is uniquely tied to grace, perfection and new beginnings. “5785 is a year where God’s people will be empowered with authority, just like King David,” he says. “We are being anointed to reign and to serve, to lead with wisdom and govern with grace.” Landry describes this king-priest anointing as a dual responsibility—one that requires both spiritual stewardship and practical leadership. He calls on believers to embrace their roles, not only in their personal lives but also in their communities and industries.

He also refers to a prophetic word he received for this year, highlighting that 5785 will be marked by anointing kings and priests for God’s kingdom. “The Lord is raising up those who will walk in power and authority like never before. They will be kings in their workplaces and priests in their homes, anointed to reclaim what the enemy has stolen.” Landry’s message resonates with urgency as he encourages his audience to recognize the season they are in. “We are in a time of grace and perfection, but it’s also a time of new beginnings.”

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Looking to equip and empower the faithful, Landry shifts focus to the spiritual readiness required for this season. He emphasizes the need for believers to be prepared for the Bridegroom’s return, aligning their lives with God’s timing. “Sukkot is all about preparation,” he says, referring to the Feast of Tabernacles. “It’s a reminder that we must have our oil lamps full and be ready for the wedding feast.” For Landry, this preparation goes beyond ritual and speaks to the heart of a believer’s relationship with God.

Encouraging his audience with biblical truth and promises, Landry reminds listeners of their identity in Christ, stressing that they are not defined by their failures or worldly accomplishments. “Your identity is as a king and a priest in God’s kingdom. That’s who you are, and that’s where your authority lies,” he says. “This is your season to step into that role fully, knowing that God has already anointed you for what’s ahead.”

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

In a recent YouTube video, evangelist Perry Stone delivers a stern warning to Christians about the dangers of harboring unforgiveness, revealing it could send them to hell.

Stone begins by citing what he calls “the most frightening verse in the Bible,” from Matthew 7:22-23: “Many will say to Me that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did I not prophesy in Your name…?’ And He will say to them, ‘Depart from Me, you worker of iniquity, I never knew you.’”

Stone explains that while some may perform religious works, such as prophesying and casting out demons, their hearts may still be full of iniquity, which will ultimately lead to their rejection by Christ. “There would be a group of people in the congregation, in the church, that would be doing the work of God,” he says, “but yet their heart was full of iniquity.”

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One of the most pervasive issues he sees in the church today is unforgiveness. Stone points to numerous near-death experiences from credible individuals who claim that bitterness and grudges landed them in hell. “They attended church but had bitterness and unforgiveness toward people. They gossiped, they talked about people, they cut people down,” he says. In many of these accounts, the individuals were only spared from hell after being given a second chance to forgive those who wronged them.

He backs up his point with Scripture, referencing Matthew 6:14-15: “If you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive you.” Stone warns that failing to release bitterness and grudges could cost Christians their eternity.

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Stone calls on believers to examine their hearts and forgive those who have hurt them. “Eternity is at stake, and I don’t want to see people enter into eternity and have to face Matthew 7 and not be able to enter the kingdom,” he says. He lifts those suffering from a hardened heart in prayer, asking God to “help everybody watching me to be able to forgive and release the people that have hurt them and harmed them.”

“Forgive, so that you may be forgiven,” Stone urges, echoing Mark 11:25: “And when you stand praying, forgive if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your sins.”

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Amanda Grace’s prophetic words from her March 2023 interview with Charisma Media are unfolding with striking relevance as Israel faces unprecedented violence and the threat of a larger war.

On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas launches a brutal terrorist attack from Gaza, killing more than 1.200 Israelis and marking the beginning of what could, a year later, escalate into a full-scale war with Iran. Grace’s warnings about an alliance between Iran and China become more poignant as these events unfold.

Referring to a prophecy she gave in April 2021, Grace says, “Ayatollah, that’s Iran, and a dragon that’s China, have merged in agreement with the prize being the destruction of Israel.” This statement reflects the current geopolitical landscape, as Iran, emboldened by Chinese support, fuels the ongoing hostilities in the region. Grace continues, “These two countries serve a principality… and now the time has come for them to be threshed, doing the bidding of these bloodthirsty, vain entities.” Today, Israel finds itself at the heart of this struggle, battling multiple fronts while being targeted by Iranian-backed forces.

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Israel’s military is now engaged in Lebanon after Hezbollah’s involvement, and the potential for direct conflict with Iran grows daily. Grace predicts that Israel will be forced to act decisively, explaining, “Israel is going to have to do something, and they’re going to have to do it whether they have the backing of the world or not.” This prediction proves accurate, as Israeli officials warn that they may need to launch a major operation to neutralize Iranian threats, even if it leads to regional isolation.

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Grace also highlights the strained relationship between Israel and the United States, a key ally. She says, “The U.S. and Israel’s relationship has to heal right now… it is fractured, and it has to heal.” Although the two nations remain allies, recent political tensions create uncertainty in their strategic partnership. Grace believes that God will restore this relationship, stating, “I believe the Lord is going to heal that relationship… but Israel is going to have to launch a large-scale attack because China is going to feed Iran what it needs.”

The prophetic insights Amanda Grace shares several months before the Hamas attack also focus on the spiritual and existential battle Israel faces. She emphasizes, “The Lord has brought Benjamin Netanyahu back for this time… because he is the ox that is going to be yoked by God to be used.” Netanyahu’s leadership is being tested as Israel prepares for what could be a prolonged conflict.

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Grace warns that Iran’s ambitions, fueled by Chinese support, will lead to a larger conflict: “Watch for the largest attack in Iran to ever happen in this season. So I would watch for that, and what’s going to happen with that.” Her words resonate as Israel contemplates a potential preemptive strike against Iran’s nuclear and missile facilities, which could trigger an even greater regional war.

As these events unfold, Amanda Grace calls for prayers for Israel, urging believers to “pray for the peace of Israel” and for wisdom for its leaders.

“Pray for wisdom for Netanyahu… he has been given something very heavy and very difficult in this time and season by the Lord,” she says. With Israel encircled by enemies, Grace’s prophetic warnings serve as both a call to action and a reminder of the spiritual battle Israel faces in these perilous times.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a time of deep reflection, celebration and connection to faith. According to Rabbi Daniel Rowe, senior educator at Aish Jerusalem, the holiday is not only a period of judgment but also one of hope and renewal.

“It’s a time of very deep introspection and reflection, [a] time of really planning forward,” Rowe says in an interview with Fox News. He adds that Rosh Hashanah is a chance to recreate oneself and strive to be better in the year ahead.

A central part of the celebration is the symbolic foods eaten during the holiday, which carry rich spiritual meaning. “Everything we do on Rosh Hashanah, whether it’s the foods that we eat or the prayers that we utter, is about that deep cry inside us that says, ‘This world can be a better place,'” Rowe explains.

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Among the most iconic traditions is dipping an apple in honey, symbolizing the desire for a sweet and fruitful year. “The apple represents that which is nutritious and good for us,” Rowe says, “and we don’t just want things ‘good.’ We’d also like to be able to appreciate the good in all of them.”

The symbolism extends to a wide variety of foods, each with its own meaning, often tied to the hope for blessings and abundance in the coming year. Whether enjoying pomegranates, whose many seeds represent the fulfillment of good deeds, or round challah bread, symbolizing the cycle of life, each bite on Rosh Hashanah is consumed with mindfulness and purpose. “Every single item of food could be a blessing and could manifest some kind of goodness,” Rowe says. He emphasizes that eating during Rosh Hashanah is an act of building oneself up to become a blessing to others in the year ahead.

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Rosh Hashanah’s focus on renewal, prayer and personal growth is especially poignant this year on the first anniversary of the jihadist terror attacks, while Israel continues to face a multi-front war during this sacred season. As families gather to celebrate, Rabbi Rowe’s words remind us of the power of prayer: “We can use each year to recreate ourselves and become better people.”

Let us take this time to reflect on the challenges faced by the people of Israel and offer a collective prayer for peace, protection and hope for the future.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Country music superstar Luke Bryan is known for his chart-topping hits and energetic performances, but his latest album takes a heartfelt turn, offering a glimpse into his personal faith and the pain he’s endured over the years. In the final track of “Mind of a Country Boy,” Bryan shares a deeply personal prayer in a song titled “Jesus ‘Bout My Kids,” where he pleads with Jesus to watch over his children as they navigate life’s challenges, “Now I talk to Jesus ’bout my kids.”

The song is a reflection of Bryan’s role as a father to his two biological sons, Bo and Tate, as well as his adopted nieces and nephew, whom he and his wife, Caroline, took in after a series of family tragedies. The lyrics express his hopes, worries and ultimate reliance on his faith to protect them.

“There’s only so much you can do,” Bryan told reporters in Nashville. “You got to turn it over to Jesus…to look after them, because at the end of the day, that’s what you have to kind of plant your flag in—that God and Jesus are looking after them.”

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Bryan has been open about his faith, describing how he and Caroline work to ensure their children understand the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of faith. In a 2015 interview, he said, “We try to stress, every day, the importance of Jesus and Christianity and being a good person.”

Beyond his faith, Bryan’s family has endured a lifetime of loss within just a few years. His older brother, Chris, died in a car accident in 1996. In 2007, his sister Kelly passed away unexpectedly, and when her husband, Ben, died in 2014, Bryan and Caroline immediately took in their nephew and nieces. “We never thought twice about it,” Caroline told ABC News.

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These losses continue to shape Bryan’s perspective on life and fatherhood. He has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of losing loved ones and the struggles his family has faced. “You never quite get over it,” Bryan told Parade. But through it all, his faith remains his anchor.

With “Jesus ‘Bout My Kids,” Bryan offers more than just a song—he shares a prayer born out of both love and loss, echoing the personal battles that continue to drive his music and life.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

As the Jewish High Holidays, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, open this week, Pastor Troy Brewer recently discussed the prophetic significance of the Hebrew calendar year 5785. Speaking from his church in Burleson, Texas, Brewer believes this year holds specific and significant meaning for both individual believers and the broader body of Christ, calling it a season marked by grace, redemption and transformation.

Brewer begins by explaining the importance of understanding the Hebrew calendar. He contrasts it with the Gregorian calendar, highlighting how God speaks differently to the nations and His covenant people through celestial markers like the sun and the moon.

“The sun is always biblically seen as masculine, the moon is always biblically seen as feminine,” Brewer says, pointing to the lunar cycle’s connection to biblical timing.

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Central to Brewer’s message is the number 85, which he says carries prophetic weight in 5785. In Hebrew, letters have numerical values, and the emphasis this year is on the combination of 80 and five, represented by the Hebrew letters “pey” and “hey.” Brewer explains that “pey” symbolizes the mouth, and “hey” signifies breath and grace. “It’s the mouth to mouth, it’s the two-edged sword,” Brewer says, underscoring the idea of divine importance of speaking life.

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Brewer also delves into the biblical significance of the number five, which he ties to grace and repentance. “A big part of the hey or the emphasis of the number five in the word of God has to do with repentance and grace—the grace of God to be able to repent,” he says. Brewer defines grace as not merely forgiveness but God’s empowerment for believers to overcome challenges. “Grace is not God forgiving us… It’s the difference between rescuing a girl [from trafficking] and then setting a girl up for success in life. The rescue is the redemption, but the setting her up for life is the grace.”

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As he explores the duality of Christ’s role as both Savior and King, Brewer points to the return of Jesus. “He’s coming back with the church because we are saved, but He’s coming back for Israel,” Brewer says, clarifying the distinction between salvation through Christ and Gods covenant with Israel as a nation.

For Brewer, 5785 is not just a number but a call to believers to seize the moments of “Kairos,” or divine opportunities. “There are special moments of opportunity that come to you at certain times of year,” he says, urging fellow believers to live in sync with the Holy Spirit at all times.

Brewer sees 5785 as a prophetic year, deeply connected to biblical symbols and principles of grace, redemption and transformation. “This is a tremendous year of grace and repentance,” Brewer says, encouraging others to step into their destiny by aligning with God’s timing and purpose.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

MorningStar Ministries founder Rick Joyner is addressing a growing conflict within his organization, focusing on the fallout with former leader Chris Reed. In a recent edition of “Rick’s Rants,” Joyner speaks openly about the deteriorating situation, admitting his own lack of discernment and acknowledging the serious issues facing the ministry.

Joyner recalls his initial trust in Reed, describing him as someone he thought would play a significant leadership role within MorningStar. However, over time, problems began to surface.

“I was shocked beyond anything by what happened to Chris Reed. I never saw that coming,” Joyner says. He expresses regret for not recognizing early warning signs, acknowledging that “others saw parts of it and were worried about it.”

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Joyner is candid about his own personal failures, admitting that he missed critical red flags in Reed’s leadership. “I have a real blind spot in some ways that I need others to cover for me,” he says, noting his need for greater discernment and the importance of leaning on the spiritual gifts of others. “I can’t cover everything. I think the Lord has distributed His gifts in His church to make us depend on each other and actually love each other.”

The issue with Reed is part of a broader set of challenges plaguing MorningStar, including continued “legal battles regarding the alleged sexual abuse cases of minors by a former volunteer at the church” as Charisma News has previously reported.

Joyner speaks of “wolves in sheep’s clothing” within the organization, explaining how some leaders have sown division and caused harm. “They think they’re special messengers of God, but it’s not the God I serve,” he says. He is adamant that individuals who fail to meet biblical standards will not be granted positions of authority. “They’re demanding positions of leadership in the church—that ain’t gonna happen now with me still alive.”

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Despite the turmoil, Joyner remains committed to the future of MorningStar and the broader Christian community. He believes that this season of trial will lead to a renewal. “MorningStar has been through shakings, some really big ones like this,” he says. “It always preceded a great move of God among us.”

He calls for spiritual watchmen—Christians with strong gifts of discernment—to step up in this critical hour. “We need watchmen on the walls. We are in desperate need of spiritual watchmen who will discern these people for what they are,” Joyner urges. He believes that the challenges facing MorningStar, and the church at large, can only be overcome with the help of those with “extraordinary gifts of discernment.”

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As the situation continues to unfold, Joyner pleads for unity within the body of Christ. He encourages believers to “stay the course” and trust in God’s ultimate victory, despite the ongoing battles.

In this time of crisis, Christians across the country are encouraged to lift up the hurting church in prayer. Pray for the restoration of unity, healing for abuse victims, discernment in leadership and for the church to follow biblical mandates set before them.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.